





rrj . 
























It 



^>^>7i 



i LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. I 

)^ : -/ ^. 

i €l,ap.^ EH'^ I 



§ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, g 



^ * -. V O ^ .'^-■^ 















•y --^cK 









-6 V" 



.^'■% 






^ 






^^• 



V 






t\' 



>>°-*. 









.^ ^^ 



■.^' 



* '^., 






.-.^ 



S ^'. 



ILLUSTRATED 



SCHOOL HISTORY 



UNITED STATES 



AND THE ADJACENT PARTS OF 



A. m: E R I O A^, 

FROM THE EARLIEST DISCOVERIES TO THE PRESENT TlilE : 

EMBRACING A FULL ACCOUNT OF THE ABORIGINES ; BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF 

DISTINGriSHED MEN ; NUMEROUS MAPS, PLANS OF BATTLE-FIELDS, AND 

PICTORIAL ILLUSTRATIONS ; AND OTHER FEATURES CALCULATED 

TO GIVE OUR TOUTH CORRECT IDEAS OF THEIR COUNTRY'S 

PAST AND PRESENT, AND A TASTE FOR GENERAL 

HISTORICAL READING. 



; A\Vi//// 




BY g!'p!^QUACKENBOS, A.M. 

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL OF "THE COLLEGIATE SCHOOL," N. Y. ; AUTHOR OP "FIRST 

LESSONS IN COMPOSITION," " ADVANCED COURSE OF COMPOSITION 

AND RHETORIC," ETC. 



NEW YORK: 
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, 

346 & 348 BROADWAY. 

M DCCC LVII. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S57, 

By G. p. QUACKENBOS, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern 
District of New York. 



V^ 



(^^' 



3|« 



^1 PREFACE. 



Oj 



Few words are needed to introduce this volume. The Author has 
aimed to be simple, that youth of lower as well as advanced classes may- 
understand him ; clear, that no indistinct or erroneous impressions may 
be conveyed ; accurate in the recital of facts ; and interesting as regards 
both matter and style. Avoiding fragmentary statements, he has gone 
into detail sufficiently to show events in their connections, convinced 
that a fairer idea of them is thus imparted, and that facts otherwise dry 
may in this way be made attractive and indelibly impressed on the mind. 
He has tried throughout to be fair and national. He has neither intro- 
duced offensive allusions, nor invidiously attempted to bias the minds of 
the young on controverted questions connected with politics or religion. 

It is hoped that the plan of the work will be approved by teachers. 
"While the accounts of particular settlements, colonies, and sections, 
are kept distinct, the order of events throughout the whole is as far as 
possible preserved. Some space is devoted to a consideration of the ori- 
gin, customs, and character of the Eed Men, whose prominence in our 
earlier annals, no less than the melancholy doom which is hurrying them 
to extinction, gives them a strong claim on the historian. Brief biog- 
raphies of distinguished men, interspersed in connection with the events 
that made them famous, add to the interest of the volume, besides fur- 
nishing the pupil models of worth and j)atriotism. The progress of art, 
science, and invention, the state of society at different periods, and other 
matters essential to a complete view of a country's history, receive due 
attention. The questions at the bottom of the page will be found con- 
venient ; as will, also, the pronunciation given in brackets after foreign 
and difficult proper names. Appropriate illustrations prepared with great 
care, to instruct as well as please, have been liberally provided. Maps 
are as useful in history as in geography ; and Plans are often essential to 
the lucid delineation of military movements. Both are here presented 
wherever it was thought they would be of service ; and, to prevent their 
neglect by the student, questions on each have been introduced. 

In conclusion, the author hopes that his efforts to invest the subject 
with interest have not proved altogether unsuccessful, and that the vol- 
ume now offered to the young may be the means of inspiring them with 
a taste for general historical reading. 
New Yokk, Jan. 19, 1S5T. 



CONTENTS. 



PART I. 

ABORIGINAL PERIOD. 

CHAPTER. PAGK. 

I. Origin of the American Indians 11 

II. The Great Indian Families 16 

III. Indian Languages 20 

lY. Aboriginal Remains 26 

V. Description of the Indians .-. 81 



PART II. 

COLONIAL PERIOD. 

I. Voyages and Discoveries of Columbus 48 

II. Early Explorations. — First Permanent Settlements 51 

III. Conquest of Mexico and Peru. — Voyage of Magellan 60 

IV. English Explorations and Settlements 66 

V. Dutch Discoveries and Settlements 76 

VI. Landing of the Pilgrims 79 

VII. Massachusetts Bay Colony.— Settlement of Rhode Island 83 

VIII. Settlement of Connecticut.— Pequod War 88 

IX. Founding of Maryland and Delaware 92 

X. New Netherlands from 1621 to 1664.— Founding of New Jersey 95 

XL Virginia from 1620 to 1660 99 

XII. Eliot's Preaching.— Union of the New England Colonies 102 

XIII. Domestic Life, Character, and Laws of the Puritans 105 

XIV. King Philips War 108 

XV. Bacon's Rebellion 114 

XVI. Settlement of Carolina 118 

XVII. Settlement of Pennsylvania 121 

XVIII. Indian History.- Jesuit Missionaries 125 



CONTENTS. 5 

OHAPTEE. PAGE. 

XIX. New York to 16S9.— French and Iroquois War 130 

XX. New England under Andros and Phipps 132 

XXI. King William's War 134 

XXII. Witchcraft in New England 138 

XXIII. New York under Leisler, Sloughter, Fletcher, and Bellamont— Captain 

Kidd 140 

XXIV. South Carolina from 1690 to 1700 143 

XXV. French Settlements in the Southwest— Chickasaw War 144 

XXVI. Queen Anne's War 147 

XXVII. Settlement of Georgia ,. 148 

XXVIII. King George's War, 1744-174S 152 

XXIX. Commencement of Washington's Career 154 

XXX. Commencement of the French and Indian War 160 

XXXI. Braddock's Campaign 164 

XXXII. French and Indian War (continued).— Campaigns of 1757-58 171 

XXXIIL French and Indian War (continued).— Campaigns of 1759-60 175 

XXXIV. Pontiac's War 181 

XXXV. state of Society in the Colonies 184 

XXXVI. Causes of the American Kevolution t 188 



PART III. 

REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 

I. Battle of Lexington 203 

II. Capture of Ticonderoga. — Washington elected Commander-in-chief 206 

III. Battle of Bunker Hill 209 

IV. Invasion of Canada 214 

V. Siege and Evacuation of Boston 218 

VI. British Attack on Charleston. — Declaration of Independence >. 220 

VII. Battle of Long Island 224 

VIII. Washington's Pvetreat.— Battle of White Plains 229 

IX. Battles of Trenton and Princeton 2-32 

X. La Fayette's Arrival. — Tryon in Connecticut — Capture of Gen. Prescott. 236 

XI. Burgoyne's Campaign and Surrender 239 

XII. Movements of Howe and Washington in 1777 248 

XIII. The American Army at Valley Forge 253 

XIV. Campaign of 1778. — Monmouth. — Newport — Savannah. — Wyoming 257 

XV. Campaign of 1779. — Movements in South Carolina. — Capture of Stony 

Point— Sullivan's Indian Expedition.— Siege of Savannah.— PaulJones. 262 
XVI. Campaign of 1780.— Fall of Charleston.— Partisan Warfare in the South. 

—Battle of Camden 269 

XVIL Arnold's Treachery.— Battle of King's Mountain 276 

XVIIL Campaign of 1781.— The Cowpens.— Guilford Court House.— Ninety-Si.x. 

— Eutaw Springs 282 



b CONTENTS. 

CHAPTEK. PAOE. 

XIX. Siege of Yorktown.— Surrender of Cornwallis 293 

XX. End of tlie Revolutionary War 298 

XXI. Formation of a Federal Constitution 304 



PART IV. 

CONSTITUTIONAL PERIOD. 

I. Washington's Administration, 17S9-1797 312 

II. John Adams' Administration, 179T-1801 326 

III. Jefferson's Administration, 1801-1S09 329 

IV. Madison's Administration, from 1809 to 1S12 338 

V. Madison's Administration (continued), 1812 344 

VI. Madison's Administration (continued), 1813 353 

VII. Madison's Administration (continued), 1814-1817 371 

VIII. Monroe's Administration, 1817-1825 390 

IX. John Quincy Adams' Administration, 1825-1829 397 

X. Jackson's Administration, 1829-1837 401 

XL Van Buren's Administration, 1837-1841 411 

XII. Admmistration of Harrison and Tyler, 1841-1845 413 

XIII. Polk's Administration, 1845-1849 423 

XIV. Administration of Taylor and Fillmore, 1849-1S53 445 

XV. Pierce's Administration, 1853-1857 452 

Present Condition of the United Slates 469 

XVI. Buchanan's Administration, 1857 458 

Present condition of tiie United States 4 




THE WESTERN CaNTINENT. 

1. TsE Western Continent, represented above, is about 
9,000 miles long. It attains its greatest AYidth in the north, 
where it is nearly 3,000 miles across. From this point the 
shores slope towards each other, till an isthmus 50 niiles 
wide is formed ; whence they again expand, inclosing a tract 
of nearly equal size on the south. The contment is thus 
naturally divided into two parts, known as North and South 
America. Between the two, near the eastern coast, lie the 
West India Islands. 

Including the islands just named and Greenland, the 
American continent embraces 15,000,000 square miles, of 
whi<;h North America contains eight million, and South 
America nearly seven. Together they comprise more than 
a third of the land surface of the globe. The territory of 



1. How long is the Western Continent? Wliere does it attain its greatest width? 
How wide is it there ? From this point, describe the shores. How is the continent 
thus divided? What islands lie between the two? Inchnling the West Indies and 
Greenland, how many square miles does America contain ? How many, North Amer- 
ica? How many. South America? Together, what part of the land surface of the 



8 THE WESTERN CONTINENT. 

the United States contains 2,983,153 square miles, — more 
than one third of the surface of North America. 

America is bounded on each side by a great ocean. On 
the east, the Atlantic, 3,000 miles broad, separates it from 
Europe and Africa ; on the west, it is separated from Asia 
by the Pacific, the greatest width of which is about 10,000 
miles. This ocean gradually narrows towards the north, till 
it termmates in Behring's [pronounced heer'4ngz\ Strait, 
where the extreme points of the two continents are only 36 
miles apart. 

2. The American Continent is distinguished for the grand- 
ness of its natural features. It is intersected by large rivers, 
which aiford every facility for commerce. The Mississippi, 
the Missouri, and the Amazon, surpass in length every other 
river on the earth. Lakes equal in size to seas are scattered 
over its surface. Its valleys and plains, its volcanoes and 
mountain ranges, are aU on the grandest scale. Its mineral 
resources are inexhaustible. The silver and diamond mines 
i>f South America, and. In the United States, the gold placers 
of California, and the vast subterranean treasures of lead, iron, 
and coal, which elsewhere abound, are of inestimable value. 

3. The temperature of any given locality in America is 
much colder than that of a place in the same latitude on the 
Eastern Continent. New York is on nearly the same par- 
allel as Naples ; yet in the latter snow is rarely seen, and 
fires are hardly ever required. There is no city in America 
as far north as Paris; and Stockholm, transported to the 
same latitude in the Western Continent, would be in a re- 
gion of perpetual snow. 

4. The animals originally found in America were, as a 
general thing, neither so large nor so strong as those of the 
old world. Instead of the elephant, rhinoceros, hippopota- 

globe do they comprise ? How much of this belongs to the United States? By what 
is America bounded? How wide is the Atlantic? the Pacific? In what does the 
Pacific terminate towards the north? How wide is Behring's Strait? 2. For what is 
the American Continent distinguished? By what is it intersected? What is said of 
its valleys, plains, «Ssc. ? What, of its mineral resources? 3. How does the Western 
Continent compare in temperature with the Eastern ? What two cities are mentioned 
in illustration of this fact? What is the temperature of America in the latitude of 
Stockholm ? 4. How did the animals of America compare with those of the old world ? 



DIVISION INTO PEKIODS. 9 

nius, lion, and tiger, which are natives of many parts of the 
Eastern Continent, here were found the bison, musk-ox, jag- 
u-ar", taj^ir, and lama. Remains of the elephant, however, 
and of a still larger quadruped known as the mastodon, now 
extinct, have been dug up in diflerent parts of the United 
States. All our domestic animals were introduced from 
Europe. Horses are now found T\41d in great numbers, but 
America is not then- native land. They have sprung from 
those introduced by the Spaniards. The same is the case 
with the wild cattle that traverse in myriads the plains of 
Buenos Ayres [bwa'-nos i'res]. Our varieties of native birds 
are numerous; we have many not found in the Eastern 
Continent, of which the turkey is the most important. 

5. Having thus considered the natural features of America, 
we proceed to treat of its history. The part now constitu- 
ting the United States will occupy most of our attention ; 
but we shall take occasion to glance at the great events in 
other portions of the continent also, particularly such as have 
had a bearmg on the history of our own country. 

DIVISION INTO PERIODS. 

American History may be divided into four periods : — 
I. The Aboriginal Period, extending from the first 
peoplmg of America to its discovery by Columbus, 
A. D. 1492 ; 
H. The Colonial Period, fi'om the discovery by Colum- 
bus to the breakmg out of the American Revolution, 
A. D. 1775 ; 
HI. The Revolutionary Period, from the breaking out 
of the Revolution to the organization of a govern- 
ment under the Federal Constitution, a. d. 1789 ; 
TV. The Constitlttional Period, from the organization of 
a government under the Federal Constitution to the 
present time. 

Mention some not found in this country. By what was their place supplied ? What 
remains are found? What is said of our domestic animals? Whence came the horse 
and the wild cattle of South America? What is said of our native birds? 5. Into how 
many periods may American History be divided ? Give the name and limits of each. 

1» 




MAP 

cfthe 

INDIAN lAMILIES 

as located 
in /fJO. 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



PART I. 

ABORIGINAL PERIOD, 

EXTENDING FROM THE FIRST PEOPLING OF AMERICA TO 
ITS DISCOVERY BY COLUMBUS, A. D. 1492. 



CHAPTER I. 

ORIGIN OF THE AiMERICAN INDIANS. 

6. When America was discovered by Europeans, it was 
occupied by tribes differing in many respects from the na- 
tions of the old world. Their manners, customs, languages, 
and personal appearance, all proclaimed them a distinct race. 
From their color, they were by some styled Red Men; while 
the erroneous idea of early adventurers that America formed 
part of the East Indies, led to their being called Indians, 
and by this name they have generally been known. As these 
native tribes play a promment part in our early history, it 
is important to consider theu' origin and pecuharities, their 
territorial limits and mutual relations. 

7. We must first ask whence and how America was peo- 
pled. It is separated from the Eastern Conthaent, on one 
side by three thousand miles of ocean, and on the other by 
an expanse of water for the most part three times as broad. 

6. When discovered, by whom was America occupied? In what did they diflfer from 
the nations of the old world ? What names were given them, and why ? 7. What would 
seem to render it impossible for America to have been peopled from the Eastern Conti- 



12 ORIGIN OF THE AMERICAN INDIANS. 

Hence it seems, at first glance, almost impossible that it 
should have been reached, in an age when ships were small 
and frail, when the mariner's compass was unknoT\m and the 
sailor dared not trust himself out of sight of land. This led 
men to suppose that the inhabitants of America did not de- 
scend from Adam and Eve, but from a race previously cre- 
ated. Such a theory is plainly contrary to the Bible record, 
nor is it needed to account for the settlement of America. 

8. Later discoveries have brought to Hght a fact unknowTi 
to geographers three hundred years ago, that America wi- 
dens rapidly in the north, and there juts out into the ocean 
till it comes withm thirty-six miles of Asia. As a current 
sets towards the American shore, the passage thither can be 
readily made even in rude vessels. Boats may have been 
driven over by stress of weather, and the continent thus 
have been discovered without design. But there was a stiU 
easier means of communication. In severe seasons, Behring's 
Strait is frozen over. Many varieties of animals have passed 
on the ice from one continent to the other ; and the first oc- 
cupants of America, led by curiosity, or driven by violence, 
may have reached the new world in the same manner. 

9. At what time this event took place, we are not in- 
formed. History makes no mention of it. It is probable 
that it occurred at an early date, not many centuries after 
the dispersion at Babel and the consequent emigration from 
the plain of Shi'nar. Mankind soon spread out from the 
limited district to which they were at first confined, and took 
possession of the vacant lands around them, which, as their 
numbers increased, became necessary to their comfort. Thus 
they gradually found their way to Northeastern Asia ; and 
at length adventure or accident made them acquainted with 
the existence of a new continent. 

10. Behring's Strait or the northern part of the Pacific 

nent? What weye men first led to suppose? What book contradicts this opinion? 

8. What fact have later discoveries brought to light ? How near do the extreme points 
of America and Asia come? How may boats have been driven across? What easier 
means of access was there? What, besides man, appear to have crossed on the ice? 

9. When did the migration to America take place? What led mankind to spread out 
from their original location? Where at last did they find themselves? 10. How do 



EARLY VOYAGES. 



13 



coiild thus have been easily crossed ; but some thmk that 
ancient navigators first reached the new world by way of the 
Atlantic. As early as the days of Solomon, the Phoenician 
seamen made voyages to O'-phu*. At a later date, Hanno, 
the Carthaginian, is said to have sailed thirty days southwest 
from the Strait of Gibraltar. The early Egyptian navigators 
were particularly distinguished for theu* skill and daruig ; 
and we are told that during the reign of Pharaoh Necho 
[fa'-ro ne'-ko], about 600 b. c, a company of explorers started 
from the Isthmus 
of Suez [soo-ez'l, 
on the Red Sea, 
and sailed com- 
pletely round Af- 
rica to the oppo- 
site point of the 
Isthmus, — a dis- 
tance of 16,000 
miles. Other re- i 
markable voyages 
are recorded, dur- 
mg some of which 
America may have been reached. Plato and several other 
ancient writers appear to have been aware that there was a 
large body of land in the west, and speak of an island in that 
direction more extensive than Europe and Africa. 

11. Some historians have tried to trace the American Li- 
dians to the ten " lost tribes" of Israel, who were conquered 
by Shalmaneser [shal-ma-?ie'-zer], kmg of Assyria, about '700 
B. c. Many of the vanquished were carried into captivity, 
and uniting with their conquerors lost all separate existence 
as a nation. But there were some, who, we are told in 
Esdras, "took this counsel among themselves, that they 




ANCIENT EGYPTIAN SHIP. 



Bome think America was first reached? In Solomon's time, what voyages were made? 
At a later date, what is Hanno said to have done ? What early navigators were particu- 
larly distinguished for their skill ? What remarkable voyage of theirs is mentioned? 
Who appear to have known that a large body of land existed in the west? 11. To whom 
have some tried to trace the American Indians? What befell these ten tribes? What 
did some of them resolve to do ? How far does History trace them ? What is the only 



1-4: ORIGIN OF THE AMERICAN INDIANS. 

would leave the multitude of the heathen, and go forth into 
a further country where never mankind dwelt". These un- 
fortunate remnants of the ten tribes are thought by some to 
have carried out their design by crossing into America, and 
there to have become the progenitors of the Indian race. 

History tells us that they advanced as far as Media. Be- 
yond this, we know nothing of theii' travels ; nor is there 
any evidence of their having finally settled in America exce^^t 
a fancied resemblance between the customs and religious 
ceremonies of the Indians and those of the ancient Israehtes. 
Both had their priests and prophets, theii* washings and 
anointings, their fasts, feasts, and sacrifices. But neither 
these, nor other alleged points of resemblance, are sufiicient 
to prove the theory. 

12. It seems far more probable that the first settlers of 
America were from Egypt. Their taste and skill in build- 
ing would indicate this, as well as the fact that in difierent 
caves in the West bodies have been found, preserved some- 
what m the style of Egyptian mummies. 

The history of these early immigrants seems to be as fol- 
lows : — Soon after the Confusion of Languages, a large body 
of men, after a temporary residence in Central Lidia, driving 
their flocks before them, moved to Eg;y^3t, and conquered its 
original settlers, the descendants of Miz'-ra-im. Under the 
name of Shepherd Kings, they there founded a noble empu-e, 
built large cities, and erected massive pyramids which stiU 
remain as monuments of their power. The JVIizraimites, 
however, roused by thek tyranny, finally rose against them, 
and after a long contest drove them fi'om the land. The de- 
feated Sheioherds, in quest of a new home, turned then* course 
to the northeast, and left numerous traces of their passage 
through Central Asia and Siberia in the form of w^ell-built 
walls and mounds. They are supposed at last to have crossed 
into America in the manner before described, to have erected 



evidence of their having reached America? Mention these points of resemblance. Are 
they sufficient to prove the theory? 12. What seems far more probable? What evi- 
dence is there that the first settlers of America came from Egypt? Give the history of 
the Shepherd Kings. What are they finally supposed to have done? When was the 



SUCCESSIVE EMIGRATIONS TO AMERICA. 15 

the mounds and ancient works whose remains are still visible 
in the valley of the Mississippi, and ultimately to have made 
their way to Mexico, and built the city of that name early in 
the fourteenth century. 

13. The Indians of America must have spnmg from later 
bodies of Asiatic adventurers than the Mexicans. Behrino-'s 
Strait, or the ocean near it, may often have been crossed du- 
ring the lapse of ages ; and, judging from the dilFerence of 
character and language in the various tribes, it is highly 
probable that the passage was made a number of times at 
different eras. Curious aboriginal remains are still to be 
seen in various parts of our country, which show that the 
first settlers arrived there at a very early period, before they 
had forgotten the mechanical arts through the allurements 
of forest life. They were probably followed by less civilized 
bands, who drove them from their original seats. Thus suc- 
cessive immigrations may have taken place, each party of 
new-comers pushing its predecessors further east and south, 
and being themselves afterwards driven in these directions, 
until the whole continent was peopled. 

14. The traditions current among the Indians throw but 
little light on their origin. They have a general belief that 
they are aborigines, or, in other words, that they sprung from 
the earth and are not connected with any other people. By 
one account they are represented as having climbed up the 
roots of a large vine from the interior of the globe. Accord- 
ing to another, their ancestors, while living as they had 
done for ages under ground, accidentally espied the light of 
day through the opening of a cavern, and by dint of great 
efforts scaled the walls of their subterranean prison and came 
out upon the surface. 

Some of the Bed Men, however, retain an indistinct tradi- 
tion of having crossed a tract of water to reach their present 
habitations. The Ath-a-pas'-cas, who bear a striking resem- 

city of Mexico founded ? 13. What reason is there for thinking that Behring's Strait 
was crossed a number of times? What are to be seen in various parts of our country? 
What do these show ? By whom were the first immigrants followed ? 14. What is the 
general belief of tlie Indians respecting their origin ? How do different accounts repre- 
sent them as having reached the surface of the earth? What tradition do some tribes 



16 THE GREAT INDIAN FAMILIES. 

))hiiic(j ill dress and manners to the people of Eastern Asia, 
say that they once lived in a region far to the west. The 
Chei^eweyans [tshe2>e-ica-anz\ also, state that they originally 
came from another land, inhabited by very wicked people ; 
that they were obliged to traverse a narrow lake, shallow 
and fnll of islands, on which they suifered greatly from cold 
and encountered immense masses of ice and snow. If this 
" narrow lake" was Behring's Strait or the northern extrem- 
ity of the Pacific, the islands referred to may have been the 
iUeutian \ci-leu' -she-an\ group, in which inexperienced na^d- 
gators would be very likely to become entangled. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE GEEAT INDIAN FAMILIES. 

15. The various Indian tribes that occupied America on 
the first arrival of Europeans closely resembled each other in 
customs, complexion, and general appearance. There were 
minor points of difference, but these were hardly sufficient 
for grouping them into great families. This could not be 
done tiU their languages were compared ; and it was then 
found that the numerous tribes east of the Mississippi and 
south of the St. Lawrence sprimg from eight parent stocks. 
Little was then known respecting those west of the Missis- 
sippi, nor have we yet sufficient acquaintance with them for 
a proper classification. 

16. These eio^ht o^reat families are known bv the following^ 
names : Algonquin [cd-zhon' -kwi7i\ Huron-Iroquois [Jiu'-ron 
e'-ro-kwah\ Dah-ko'-tah or Sioux \soo\ Ca-taw'-ba, Cher-o- 
kee', U'-chee, Nat'-chez, and Mo-bil'-i-an. The Map on 
page 10 shows theii' resiDective locations in the year 1650, be- 
fore which the interior of the continent was but little kno^^Ti. 

retain ? What do the Athapascas believe ? What, the Chepeweyans ? What islands 
uiaj' be refeiTed to in this story ? 

15. In wliat did all the Indians closely resemble each other? What was necessary 
Defore they could be isronped into families ? How many great families were there found 
to be? What is said of the tribes west of the Mississippi? 16. Name the eight great 



ALGONQUIN TRIBES. 



17 



Among these families, the mdely extended Esquimaux 
[es'-Jce-mo] {fish-eaters) are not inckided. They do not he 
within the hmits of the United States, but occupy the shores 
of all the seas, bays, and inlets of America, north of lat. 60°. 

11. The Algonquin was the largest of these families. It 
occupied about half the territory now embraced in the United 
States east of the Mississippi, and contained as many warriors 
as the remaining families put together. It even extended 
north of the St. Lawrence, including, among other tribes, 
the Knisteneaux \nis' -te-no\ scattered throughout the wide 
tract between Hudson's Bay and the Rocky Mountains. 
The Algonquin family embraced most of the nations connect- 
ed with the history of the first settlers : the Nar-ra-gan^-setts, 
Wampanoags \ioom-2Jarno^-ags\ Pe^-quods, and Paw-tuck'- 
ets, in Xew England ; the Mo-he'-gans, on Long Island and 
the banks of the Hudson ; the Delawares, who owned an ex- 
tensive tract on the river now called by their name ; and the 
Pow-ha-tans', originally a confederacy of more than twenty 
tribes on Chesapeake Bay, afterwards extermmated by war 
and disease. The Ottawas [of-ta-wawz\ Chip'-pe-ways, Sacs 
and Foxes, Miamis \rne-amf-eez\ Shaw-nees, and other west- 
ern tribes, were also Algonquins. 

Though speaking dialects of one great language, and 
grouped in the same family, many of the smaller Algonquin 
tribes were constantly at war with each other, their hostility 
often arising fi-om trifling causes, and being handed down 
from generation to generation. Their numbers were thus 
kept reduced, and it was not rare for a tribe to become in 
this way entu-ely extinct. 

18. Surrounded by the Algonquins, but occupying a large 
tract and enjoying a high reputation for prowess, the Huron- 
Iroquois was the next family in importance. They covered 

families. What extensive family is not included among them ? What does the word 
Esquimaux signify? What part of America do they occupy? 17. Which was the 
largest of these families ? How much territory did it occupy ? North of the St. Law- 
rence, what large tribe did it embrace? Mention some of the tribes belonging to the 
Algonquin family, and their respective locations. What kept many of the Algonquin 
tribes reduced in number? In what did their hostility often originate ? 18. What fam- 
ily was ne.xt in importance to the Algonquins ? Where did they live? Mention the 



18 THE GREAT INDIAN FAMILIES. 

a great part of the state of New York, as well as the Cana- 
dian penmsula formed by Lakes Ontario, Erie, and Huron. 
To this family belonged the Hurons or Wy'-an-dots, the 
E'-ries, and the formidable confederated tribes generally 
knoA\Ti as the Five Nations, who were afterwards joined by 
the Tus-ca-ro'-ras, a kindred tribe from Carolina. The Iro- 
quois proper, or Five Nations, were as distinguished for 
their intelligence as for then* superior skill and courage in 
war. They displayed great wisdom in the management of 
their domestic aifairs, and advanced further in the arts of 
Indian Hfe than the rest of their race. Conscious that they 
owed their strength to union, they maintained their confed- 
eracy with the utmost care, and thus were more than a 
match for enemies that met them singly. Their position, as 
may be seen from the Map, was highly favorable. Lake 
Ontario on the north, and an extensive mountain range on 
the southeast, served as bulwarks against their enemies; 
while their uitercourse with, the Dutch settlements kept 
them well supplied mth arms and ammunition. 

19. The Dahkotahs, or Sioux, a widely extended family, 
lived mostly west of the Mississippi. Hence little was kno^\Ti 
about them by early settlers. One Dahkotah tribe, the 
Win-ne-ba'-goes, migrated eastward, at what period we are 
not informed, and settled on the western coast of Lake 
Michigan [mish-e-ffcm''] among the Algonquins. The prom- 
ment members of the Dahkotah family were the Man''-dans, 
I'-o-was, Misrsou'-ries, O-sa'-ges, Arkansas [ah-'-kcm-smc]^ 
and Kan'-sas. 

20. The Ca-taw'-bas, living in the interior of Carolina, 
south of* the original seat of the Tuscaroras, were once a 
powerful people. Becoming engaged in war with the Iro- 
quois, they were vanquished and nearly destroyed. Hardly 
a hundred now survive. 

21. West of the Catawbas lived the Cherokees. Occupy- 

principal Huron -Iroquois tribes. For what -were the Five Nations distinguished? To 
what was much of their strength owing? What advantages did their position have ? 
19. Where did the Dahkotahs live? What tribe of this family migrated eastward? 
Where did they settle? Mention some prominent Dahkotah tribes. 20. Where did 
the Catawbas live ? By whom were they vanquished ? What is their present condition ? 



UCHEES, NATCHEZ, MOBILIAN TRIBES. 19 

iiig the fastnesses of the Bhie Riclge and the Alleghanies, 
they were the monntameers of eastern America. In spite 
of long and bloody wars with their hereditary foes, the 
Shawnees, and other nations, they now constitute one of the 
largest, as well as the most civilized and prosperous, Indian 
tribes within the hmits of the United States. They number 
about 15,000 souls, having, unlike most of their race, become 
more numerous since exchanging savage for civilized hfe. 

22. The Uchees, a small tribe little known in history, were 
the sixth of the great families. They were never known to 
change theii' location, and boasted that they were the oldest 
mhabitants of the region in which they were found. This 
was the northern part of Georgia. Their language was pe- 
cuUarly harsh and guttural. 

23. On the east bank of the Mississippi, in the neighbor- 
hood of the city now called by their name, lived the Natchez ; 
a tribe said to have been connections of the Mexicans, and to 
have possessed at one time an extended dormnion. They 
probably settled m tliis locality early in the sixteenth century, 
as they retained a tradition of having seen, far in the south- 
west where they formerly Uved, " warriors of fire," by which 
name they no doubt designated the soldiers of Cortez. The 
Natchez were nearly destroyed by the French in 1730. 
From a few sm*vivors, who crossed the Mississippi into 
Louisiana, the Ten'-sas Indians are supposed to have sprung. 

24. The Mobilian family, otherwise called the Mus-co^-gee- 
Choc'-taw, remains to be noticed. This group of tribes ex- 
tended over the region which now forms the southern part of 
the United States ; being boimded on the northeast by the 
Cape Fear River, and reachmg as far north as the mouth of 
the Tennessee. It included many powerful nations, the most 
important of which was the Creek, or Muscogee. Though 

21. West of the Catawbas, -what family was found? What are they called, and why? 
With whom did they wage protracted wars ? What is their present condition ? How 
many do they number ? 22. What was the sixth great family ? What was their boast? 
Where did they live? Describe their language. 23. Where did the Natchez live? 
With whom were they connected? When did they probably settle in this region? 
What tradition did they retain ? What happened to the Natchez in 1730 ? What tribe 
is thought to have sprung from them ? 24. Where did the Mobilian tribes lie ? What 
bounded them on the north and northeast? What was the most important tribe of thivs 



20 INDIAN LANGUAGES. 

fond of war, they paid considerable attention to agriculture ; 
and in the intervals between their military expeditions their 
warriors assisted the women in tilHng the soil. Like the Iro- 
quois in the north, the Creeks united the neighboring tribes 
Avith themselves in a confederacy, which greatly increased 
their power. Among the nations thus allied to them at a 
later day, were the Sem'-i-noles, who have long troubled our 
government in Florida. 

The brave Chick'-a-saws, also members of the Mobilian 
group, dwelt on the banks of the great " Father of Waters" 
(the Mississippi), north of the Katchez. On the other side 
of the latter, towards the Tom-big'-bee, lived the Choctaws, 
in a delightful country, which yielded rich crops ahuost with- 
out cultivation. 

25. Besides the tribes mentioned above, there were many 
others of less importance. Yet at no time, before or after its 
discovery, was there a dense Indian population in America. 
Most of the minor tribes were small ; and from all that can 
be gathered, it would seem as if the aborigines south of the 
St. Lawrence and east of the Mississippi were not, when dis- 
covered by Columbus, more than 200,000 in number. 



CHAPTER III. 

INDIAN" LANGUAGES. 

26. The language of a people often sheds light upon its 
history, tells where it came from, unfolds the relations it has 
sustamed to other nations, and affords a key to its character. 
Sufficient difference has been found in the various Indian lan- 
guages Slacken in America to enable us to grouj) the tribes 
that used them into eight families ; yet in many respects they 
bear a general resemblance to each other. They are all com- 

fnmily? To what did they pay attention? In what did they imitate the Iroquois? 
What tribe was a member of the Creek confederacy ? Where did the Chickasaws live ? 
Where, the Choctaws? 25. What is said of the Indian population of America? What 
is it estimated to have been at the time of the discovery ? 
26. What does the language of a people often do? What is said of the Indian Ian- 



WANT OF ABSTRACT TERMS. 21 

plete and consistent, all subject to great rules and principles. 
There is a wild grandeur about them, yet less irregularity 
than marks more cultivated tongues. Acquainted only with 
nature, a total stranger to art, science, commerce, and me- 
chanical industry, the Indian needed but few words : yet, as 
a human bemg, subject to the same passions as others, he 
required a language capable of expressing his thoughts and 
feelings ; and this we find him possessing in all parts of the 
continent. 

27. The organs of the Indian were the same as those of 
the European. In speakmg, both used the tongue, palate, 
lips, and throat ; and therefore the sounds produced by both 
were in a great measure the same. Certain tribes, however, 
had certain peculiarities. The Algonquins had no /; the 
Iroquois had no m, J, ^, /, or v, and, except the Oneidas, 
no I. Some of the Algonquin dialects were harsh from the 
frequent recurrence of consonants ; but most of the Indian 
tongues were remarkable for their softness and music. Par- 
ticularly was this the case with Cherokee, every syllable of 
which ended with a vowel. 

28. The Indian had a name for whatever he could see, 
hear, or feel ; but he had few words to express abstract ideas. 
Thus in none of the American dialects was there any single 
term for justice^ temperance^ or virtue. The difference be- 
tween savage and civilized life was so great that a vast num- 
ber of words necessary in the latter were wholly unknown to 
the Red Man. When introduced into his language, they had 
to be expressed by long compounds describing the object or 
action by means of words already existing. The Indian, for 
example, never hneels ; when, therefore, the missionary Eliot 
wished to use this term in translating the Bible, he had to 
form an uncouth word of eleven syllables, — wutappesittuk- 
qussu7i7ioowehtunhqiioh. 

guages ? Why did the Indian need but few words ? Asa human being, to what extent 
did he require language? 27. How did the Indian's organs compare with the Euro- 
pean's ? What did both use in speaking? What letter did the Algonquins never use ? 
What letters were wanting in Iroquois? What rendered some Algonquin dialects 
harsli ? What was the general character of the Indian tongues ? What is said of Cher- 
okee? 28. For what had the Indian names, and for what not? To express many of 



22 INDIAN LANGUAGES. 

29. In all the American languages, objects and actions 
were seldom expressed apart from their relations. Nouns 
rarely appeared without adjectives or hmitmg terms, and the 
pronoun was incorporated with the verb. A comj^lete sen- 
tence, which would require ten or a dozen words in English, 
was often expressed by a single comj^ound embodj^ing in it- 
self subject, adjective, verb, and object. When any of these 
was changed, a new form became necessary, so that some 
verbs had more than five thousand variations. This mode of 
expression prevailed, because the Indian naturally represented 
an object just as it appeared to his senses, that is with all its 
associations. 

30. Languages that combine the powders of different parts 
of speech in a single word are called syjithetic. Such are 
all the Indian tongues; and in this they somewhat resem- 
ble Hebrew. Synthetic languages are diflScult to learn, and 
do not afford the same facility of expression as those in 
which each object and action has a name that can be used 
independently of its relations. Nor are they as capable of 
improvement ; the Indian, instead of simplifying his syntax, 
adds syllable to syllable, tiU his words become of great length, 
while the learner is embarrassed by the nmiierous changes of 
form required by different modifications of the idea. 

31. None of the Indian languages were written; they 
had no letters with which their words could be represented. 
Since white men, however, have become acquainted with the 
aborigmal tongues, they have taken the letters of the EngUsh 
alphabet to denote their sounds, and have thus been able to 
write as Avell as speak them. The Cherokees alone have an 
alphabet devised by one of their owm number. The name of 
this ingenious native w^as Se-quo'-yah, or, as he is generally 



our words, what kind of compounds had to be formed ? Illustrate this with the word 
kneel. 29. How were objects and actions seldom expressed ? With what were nouns 
and verbs commonly united? How was a complete sentence often expressed? What 
was necessary for the least change of idea? How many variations had some verbs? 
Why did this mode of expression prevail ? 30. What epithet is applied to the Indian 
languages? What is meant by a synthetic language ? In this respect, what tongue do 
they resemble? What is said of synthetic languages? By what is the learner of an 
Indian tongue embarrassed ? 81. Were the Indian languages originally written ? How 
have white men represented their sounds? What tribe have an alphabet devised by 



INDIAN HIEROGLYPHICS. 23 

called, George Guess. Seeing the books used by the mission- 
aries., and being told that the characters they contained rep- 
resented the sounds used in sj^eakmg, he set about making 
an alphabet for his own tongue. Strange to say, without any 
knowledge of other languages, he succeeded. Instead of 
analyzing words.into letters, he went no further than sylla- 
bles, and found that -by eighty-five characters every word in 
his language could be represented. In European tongues, so 
great is the variety of syllables that an alphabet of this kind 
would be next to useless ; but in Cherokee, smce there are 
only eighty-five syllables used, it answers the purpose better 
than an alphabet of letters. Prmted Cherokee words are 
very short, for they contain only as many characters as there 
are syllables in each ; and a few days' study will enable one 
to read and write the language with ease. Syllabic alphabets 
have since been invented for other Indian tongues. 

32. The Indian could not write, but he could convey his 
thoughts imperfectly by hieroglyphics, hke the Eg}q)tians 
and other ancient nations. Certain symbols were taken to 
denote certain ideas ; and these were drawn or painted on 
prejoared skins or the inner bark of the white-birch, in a rude 
manner, but still accurately enough to be imderstood by those 
acquainted with the system. Hieroglyj^hics of this kind have 
been found chiselled on rocks in difierent parts of the country. 

33. The plate given below will serve as a specimen of In- 
dian picture-writing. Schoolcraft presents it as a copy of a 
drawing made by two Indians whom he employed as guides, 
when travellmg from the St. Louis River to the Mississippi. 
The bai-k containing these symbols was found attached to a 
pole about nine feet high. It had been placed there by the 
guides, for the purpose of informing any of their comrades 
into whose hands it might fall that a party of fourteen white 
men and two Indians had passed the night at that place. 

one of their own number? What was the inventor's name? Describe his system. 
Why would it not answer in European tongues? What is said of printed Cherokee 
words ? To what has this system been extended ? 32. Though he could not write, how 
could the Indian convey his thoughts? How were certain ideas denoted? On what 
were these hieroglyphics drawn ? Where have they been found chiselled ? 33. What 
does the specimen given above represent? Where was the bark containing these sym- 



24 



INDIAN LANGUAGES. 





tnnu^ 



Z / 



^ ^ I'XM^ 







.-^^ ^^ 



The eight figures with hats on, in the upper row, indicate that there 
were eight white soldiers ; and the muskets beside them show how they 
were armed. In the second row, Fo. 1, with the sword, represents the 
commander of the part}^ ; No. 2, with the book, is the secretary ; No. 3, 
with a hammer, is the geologist ; 4, 5, 6, are attendants. Nos. 7 and 8 
represent the two guides, who are distinguished from the white men by 
being drawn without hats. Figure 11 represents a prairie-hen, and 
12 a tortoise, which formed their meal at the encampment. Figures 
13, 14, and 15, indicate that there were three fires; one for the soldiers, 
another for the officers, and a third for the Indians. The inclination of 
the pole showed the direction in which the party was about to go. 

34. With the aid of pictures like the above, the Red Men 
communicated with each other. They also sometimes re- 
corded important public events for the benefit of future ages 
by engraving symbohc characters on rocks and trees. But 
since, with their imperfect tools, this was a laborious process, 
it was seldom done ; and, therefore, the Indians knew little 
of their past history except what was learned from oral tradi- 
tion, that is, from stories handed doT\Ti from father to son. 
In the course of years, much that was false was added to 
these accounts ; yet, having no books by which he could test 



bols found? What information was it intended to convey? Describe the figures, and 
tell what they represent. 34. How did the Red Men sometimes record public events ? 
What prevented them from doing this oftener? Whence did they obtain most of their 
knowledge of the past ? What is the character of most Indian traditions ? What is the 



INDIAN TKADITIONS. 26 

their truth, the Red Man relied impKcitly on whatever he 
had thus received. 

The Muscogee account of the Deluge may be taken as an 
example of the mixture of truth and error in Indian tradi- 
tions. It places that event before the creation of man, and 
represents two pigeons as having been sent forth in search of 
land while most of the earth was still covered with water. 
At first they were unsuccessful ; but, on having gone forth 
again, they brought back a blade of grass, and soon after the 
waters subsided, and land appeared. This tribe believe that 
their ancestors always lived in some part of North America. 
They deny that any nation more civilized than themselves 
ever occupied the country before them. According to their 
traditions, they conquered a people who were journeying to 
the south, but were never themselves conquered until their 
conflicts Tvith the whites. Before the arrival of the latter, 
they enjoyed a greater degree of peace than ever afterwards, 
and were less afflicted with disease. Such traditions, it will 
be seen, tell us httle about the history of the country before 
its discovery by Columbus. 

35. The language of the Indian, in ordinary conversation 
as well as formal speeches, was highly figurative and often 
sublime. Famihar with nature in all her variety and majesty, 
the Red Man dehghted in drawing his figures from the ob- 
jects which she presented. If he wished to express the idea 
of prosperity, he would speak of a brilliant sun ; adversity 
he would represent by lowering clouds ; to proclaim war was 
to dig up the tomahawk ; to make peace w^as to smoke the 
calumet. Many Indian chiefs were as distinguished for their 
eloquence as for their courage. Then* dehvery was anima- 
ted, dignified, and forcible ; their gesticulation, graceful and 
natural. Some of their speeches have scarcely been surpassed 
by the greatest efforts of civilized orators. 

Muscogee tradition respecting the Deluge ? What other traditions are held by this 
tribe ? 35. What is said of the language of the Indian in conversation ? From what did 
the Re(i Man draw his figures ? Give examples. For what have many chiefs been 
distinguished ? 

2 



26 ABORIGINAL REMAINS. 



CHAPTER IV. 

ABORIGINAL REMAINS. 

36. Allusion has been made to relics of the aborigines, 
found in different parts of the country. These may be di- 
vided into two classes : — ^first, those of more recent origin, 
evidently the work of an uncivilized people, such as orna- 
ments, rude weapons, and imperfect utensils ; and secondly, 
those which, from their ingenious design and superior finish, 
must be attributed to a race far above the savage state. 
These consist chiefly of stone and metallic implements, finely 
wrought pottery, mounds, and the remains of walls and for- 
tifications, — all showing a high degree of mechanical skill, 
of which the Indian, as long as he has been known to Euro- 
peans, has never proved himself capable. 

37. Most of the metallic remains are of copper, well plated, 
in a few instances, with silver. Bracelets, medals, arrow- 
heads, and pipe-bowls, of the former metal, have been found 
at great depths below the surface of the earth. At Marietta, 
Ohio, in a mound which had become partly undermined by 
a stream, a silver cup was discovered, with a regular and 
pohshed surface, finely gilt on the inside. Isinglass mirrors 
have also been dug up in various places. 

38. Numerous remains of ancient pottery have been 
brought to light, which equal the best specimens of modern 
manufacture. They are tastefully moulded, finely glazed, 
and colored in a superior manner. Entire vessels, as weU as 
numerous fragments, have been discovered many feet be- 
neath the surface, where they must have lain for centuries. 
At N'ashville, Tennessee, a circular vessel was found by some 
workmen, resting on a rock at a depth of twenty feet. The 
bottom rounded upwards, and terminated at the summit in 

36. Into how many and what classes may the aboriginal remains be divided ? Of 
what do the first class consist ? Of what, the second ? 37. What metallic remains have 
been found ? What was discovered at Marietta, O. ? 38. What is said of the specimens 
of pottery that have been dug up ? What was found at Nashville, Tenn. ? Enumerate 



INDIAN RELICS. 



27 




INDIAN EELIOa. 

1, 2, 3, 4, pipe- 
bowls ; 5, 6, pipes ; 
7, stone mortar for 
grinding corn 

stone corn-cracker ; 9, 10, front and 
side view of a spoon ; 11, bone reed, 
for making twine; 12, bone fish-hook; 
13, bone shuttle; 14, stone arrow-heads; 15, 
16, stone pots ; 17, awls made of deers' antlers; 
18, quoit; 19, 20, spear-heads. 

a female head covered with a conical cap. 
Huge fragments of earthen-ware, as well as 
urns of elegant patterns, and large vessels 
regularly formed, have been found at great 
depths in some of the mounds described be- 
low. 

At the lUinois state salt-works is a large pit 400 
feet in circumference, which, besides ashes and 
fragments of pottery, contained the remains of a 
well and drain. Hence it is supposed that the 
manufacture of salt was here carried on many years ago. 
Similar discoveries have been made at other salt springs, 
and vessels have been dug up of a shape and strength 
suitable for evaporating water, as is now done in making 
salt. Well-burned bricks, laid in the form of fire-places and 



the Indian relics represented in the engraving. What was found at the Illinois state 
salt-works ? What conclusion is drawn from this ? What else have been brought to 



28 ABORIGINAL REMAINS. 

chimneys, have also been brought to light several feet below 
the surface, beneath trees that have stood for centuries. 

39. The number of mounds erected by the early and civ- 
ilized inhabitants of this continent is variously estimated at 
from five to ten thousand. Scattered throughout the whole 
region now occupied by the United States, Mexico, and 
Central America, they are most numerous in the two last 
named countries, and on the banks of the Mississippi and 
the Missouri. Some of them seem to have been erected for 
religious purposes, others as means of defence, and a third 
class as burial places for the dead. The last are the most 
frequent, and have furnished the greater part of the orna- 
ments and urns mentioned above. A mound of this class, 
150 feet aroimd and 15 feet high, was recently opened near 
Lancaster, Ohio. On a level Avith the surrounding surface 
was found a furnace of unhewn stone eighteen feet long, on 
which rested a well-moulded earthen vessel, containmg twelve 
skeletons of men, women, and children. Around the neck 
of one of the small skeletons was a string of beads, shells, 
and arrow-heads. The bottom of the vessel bore marks 
of the action of fire, and beneath it was a great quantity of 
charcoal and ashes. 

Eleven miles from l^atchez, Mississippi, was a group of 
mounds erected for defensive purposes. One of these was 
thirty-five feet high, and contained an area of four a^cres on 
its top, from which rose several smaller mounds. In the 
middle of the summit was the mouth of a subterranean pas- 
sage leading to a spring. The remains of a ditch are still to 
be seen around the base of the large mound ; while its steep 
sides are marked with indentations and projections like those 
in modern works of the same kmd. Ancient roads leading 
to this great work may stUl be traced ; and many weapons, 
implements, and human bones, have been dug up in the 
neighborhood. 



light? 39. How many mounds are there estimated to be? Where are they most nu- 
merous? For what purposes were they erected? What were the dimensions of one 
opened at Lancaster, O. ? What was found within it? What was found eleven miles 
from Natchez? Describe one of these defensive works. What have been dug up in 



ANCIENT WALLS, FORTIFICATIONS, ETC. 



2? 



40. In the numerous remains of walls, fortifications, and 
cities, scattered throughout North America, we have still 
more remarkable evidence of mechanical skill in the early 
inhabitants. At least a hundred of these w^orks have been 
discovered in the State of New York ; but they are yet 
more numerous throughout our Western and Southern coun- 
try, as well as in Central America and Mexico. They dis- 
play no httle knowledge of engineering and architecture ; 
while the size of some of them proves that multitudes of men 
must have united in their construction. 

In Gasconade Comity, Missouri, under a tract covered with 
large cotton-trees and full-grown poplars, are still to be seen 
stone foundations, the remains of houses, and other ruins of 
an ancient town regularly laid out in squares and streets. 

Among the most remarkable ruined fortifications are those 
near Newark, Ohio, at the junction of two branches of the 




Mus-king^-um River. At the 
eastern extremity is a square 
fort containing twenty acres, 
surrounded by a high embank- 
ment and connected on the north by two covered ways with 
the river, and on the south by parallel walls with a circular 

the neighborhood ? 40. What other remarkable remains have we ? How many of 
these works have been discovered in N. Y. ? Where arc they most numerous ? What 
does the size of some of tliem prove ? What are still to be seen in Gasconade Co., Mo. ? 
What ruins are mentioned as among the most remarkable ? Describe them. 41. In 



30 ABOKIGINAL REMAINS. 

fort. Another pair of walls, running west, joins these forts 
with two others, four miles distant from them. One of 
these is circular; the other, octagonal. The former contains 
an observatory of earth and stone ; and from the latter 
parallel walls are traceable several miles southward into the 
country. From the occurrence of similar remains at inter- 
vals, it is supposed that these works were connected with 
others thirty miles distant. 

41. Mexico and Central America abound in extensive 
ruins, the remains of pyramids, temples, and cities, equal in 
magnificence to the grandest of the old world. The city of 
Mexico alone contained two thousand py-ram'-id-al mounds, 
the largest of which, 121 feet high, was built but a short 
time before the country was explored by Cor^-tez. Many of 
these works, however, like the ruined walls discovered in the 
United States, are evidently centuries old. Among them 
are finely sculptured columns, statues of idols, vast altars, im- 
mense edifices, massive aqueducts, and roads said to have 
been the best in the world. The pyramid of Tezcnco \tdth- 
hoo^-Jco] is a specimen of the most delicate workmanship. It 
was built of large blocks of basalt, highly polished and beau- 
tifully sculptured. The largest Mexican pyramid is that of 
Cholula \cho-loo'-lah\ built of alternate layers of clay and 
unburnt bricks. It is 1,423 feet long, and 177 feet high. 
Like nearly all the other works of this class, it was devoted 
to rehgious purposes. 

42. Both Mexico and Peru, when first explored by Span- 
iards, were the seats of powerful nations, possessing regular 
systems of government and religion, acquainted with the arts 
and sciences, and widely difierent from the savage tribes of 
the North. The soil was well cultivated and checkered T\dth 
numerous cities, some of which are said to have contained 
several hundred thousand mhabitants. Indeed, the great 

what do Mexico and Central America abound ? How many mounds did the city of 
Mexico contain ? When was the largest of these built? How high was it? What is 
said of the age of many of them ? Of what do these remains consist? What pyramid 
exhibits the most delicate workmanship? Of what was it built ? What is the largest 
Mexican pyramid ? Of what is it built ? What are its dimensions ? 42. What was the 
character of the Mexicans and Peruvians, when first known to the Spaniards? What is 



THE MEXICANS AND PERUVIANS. 31 

works alluded to above could not have been built had not 
the country been densely populated. 

43. The Mexicans and Peruvians were no doubt descend- 
ants of the earliest settlers of the continent, who, as before 
described, emigrated to it at so early a period that they still 
retained the arts known in the East. They originally occu- 
pied the fertile valleys of our great North American rivers, 
and left in them numerous monuments of their industry and 
skill. Allured by the more genial climate or diiven out by 
later emigrants from Asia, they afterwards found their way 
southward, and finally settled in the fertile plains of Central 
America and Peru. There, leading an agricultural life, they 
retained their knowledge of art for many generations ; while 
the northern tribes, neglecting tillage and giving themselves 
up to the chase, sunk deeper and deeper in barbarism. That 
such is their history we have additional proof in the resem- 
blance between the skulls of the ancient mound-builders, as 
found in their burial-places, and those of the Mexican In- 
dians, both strikingly diiferent fi'om the skulls of the northern 
tribes. The National Annals of the Mexicans, moreover, 
state that they originally dwelt in the North, whence they 
commenced migrating in the sixth century under their illus- 
trious emperor, Citin [see-tinf]. 



CHAPTER V. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE INDIANS. 

44. Personal Appearance. — ^Though the first European 
settlers observ^ed some points of diflference in the apj^earance 
of the various Indian tribes, yet there was a strong general 
resemblance between them. They were aU distinguished by 

said of their soil and cities ? What proves the population to have been dense ? 43. Of 
■whom were the Mexicans and Peruvians no doubt descendants ? Where did they origi- 
nally live ? What induced them to change their location ? What kind of a life did 
they lead ? What proof have we that such is their history ? What do the National 
Annals of the Mexicans say on this point ? 
44. By what were all the Indians distinguished ? Describe tlieir forms. From what 



32 DESCRIPTION OF THE INDIANS. 

a bronze or copper color, straight coarse black hair, hazel 
eyes, and liigh cheek bones. Their forms were erect, well 
proportioned, and remarkable for agility rather than strength. 
Their constant exercise kept them healthy. Deformity was 
almost unknown among them ; and they were exempt from 
many of the diseases of civihzed life. 

Descriptions of the Indians, as they originally appeared, 
have been left by many of the early adventm-ers ; among 
others by Verrazzani \ya-rat-tsah^-7ie\ who first saw them on 
the coast of New Jersey and Staten Island, eighty-five years 
before the discovery of the Hudson River. He was there 
visited by an Indian chief, whom he describes as arrayed in 
a robe of deer-skins skiliully wrought with embroidery. His 
hau* was gi-acefully tied behind, and his neck was adorned 
with a large chain set ofi" with various stones. According to 
this author, the people generally had regular features, dark 
expressive eyes, and long locks which they dressed with 
care. The women were attired in ornamented skins ; their 
hair was tastefully braided and flowed over the breast. The 
southern Indians wore head-dresses of feathers. As the heat 
increased towards the south, the clothing of the natives be- 
came lighter and scantier ; and in the wannest regions much 
of the body was left bare. 

45. 3focle of Living, — When engaged in the chase or in 
warlike expeditions, which occupied a great part of his time, 
the Indian was exposed to the full force of the weather, lying 
on the ground without shelter and with no other protection 
than a fii'e to prevent attacks from the beasts of the forest. 
At home, he lived in a rude hut, made of poles covered with 
bark or skins, and called a wigwam \ioig' ^worri\. This was 
erected with Httle labor, and was abandoned when he was 
obhged to change his residence. Wigwams were generally 
found grouped together in villages. 



were they exempt? By whom have descriptions of the Indians been left ? Where did 
Verrazzani first see them ? What does he say about the chief who visited him ? How 
does he describe the people generally ? How were the women attired ? What did the 
southern Indians wear ? 45. When engaged in the chase or a warlike expedition, what 
shelter and protection had the Indian ? At home, in what did he live ? Describe the 



MODE OF LIVING. 



33 



46. Food. — During 
many months of the 
year, the Indians lived 
by hmiting, fishing, or 
digging roots from the 
gromid. When these 
resources failed, they 
fell back on maize, or 
Indian corn, which 
was almost the only ^ 
plant they attempted 
to cultivate. The la- 
bor of raising it de- 
volved on the women, 
who planted it in holes 
dug in the ground 
with a rude imple- ^'"z^-^,^," 
ment. Manual labor " " 

of every kind was considered be- 
neath the dignity of a warrior ; 
the women, therefore, not only 
tilled the ground, but also erect- 
ed the wigwams, cut their wood in the forest, prepared the 
meals, mended the moccasins, and even carried the baggage 
on a march. 

It was characteristic of the Indians never to provide much 
food at a time, and therefore they often suffered from hun- 
ger. But trials of this kind they were trained to endure 
without a murmur. When food was plenty, they made up 
for their privations by eating as much and as often as they 
could. 

Some of the tribes were better agriculturists than others, 
and in good seasons raised more corn than they needed for 
their own use. This was the case with the natives of Yir- 




NDIAN WIGWAM. 



wigwam. 46. How did the Indian mostly obtain his snbsistenee? On what did they 
sometimes fall back ? Who raised the maize, and how ? How was manual labor re- 
garded ? What were the women obliged to do ? How was it that the Indians often 
suffered from hunger? How did they make up for their privations? What is said of 
the agricultural operations of some of the tribes ? How was it with the Virginia tribes ? 

2» 



34 DESCRIPTION OF THE INDIANS. 

ginia, by whose supplies .the first settlers were kept from 
starvation for a considerable time. Yet httle advance was 
made in agriculture or any other branch of industry. There 
were two reasons for this, besides the natural aversion of the 
Indian to labor. First, he was dependent entirely on him- 
self, having never tamed the animals around him or taught 
them to labor in his behalf. In this he was behind the 
rudest nations of the old world. The Tartar had his horse, 
the Arabian his camel, the Laplander his reindeer ; but the 
native American had no domestic animals, and was obliged 
to rely entirely on his own strength. Moreover, the Lidians 
knew little of the useful metals. Gold, silver, and copper, 
circulated among them to a certain extent, but of iron they 
were totally ignorant. With their awkward tools, the sim- 
plest tasks were performed with great difficulty. To fell a 
tree with their stone hatchets would cost a month ; and to 
turn up the ground with blunt and heavy hoes of the same 
material, was a labor from which it is not strange that they 
shrunk. 

47. Hospitality. — The hospitality of the Indian was one 
of his greatest virtues. Among all the tribes, a stranger on 
his arrival was treated with the utmost respect and atten- 
tion. The best the wigwam afforded was always placed 
before him, and his hosts were displeased if he did not eat, 
whether he needed food or not. However scanty their sup- 
ply, they withheld nothing from their guest. 

48. Marriage Customs. — Even among the rudest tribes, 
a regular union between husband and wife was universal. 
In districts where food was scarce, and it was difficult to 
maintain a family, the warrior confined himself to one wife ; 
he was at liberty, however, to take as many as he could sup- 
port. The marriage tie generally lasted till death, but among 
some tribes divorces were common. 

The marriage ceremony was extremely simple. A young 

What was the general state of agriculture? What two reasons are assigned for this? 
What metals were the only ones that circulated among the Indians? What kind of 
tools had they ? 47. What was one of the Indian's greatest virtues ? How did he treat 
8 stranger ? 48. What was universal even among the rudest tribes ? How many wives 
did a warrior have ? How long did the marriage tie last ? Describe the marriage cer- 



FAMILY RELATIONS. 35 

man would often let his friends select a wife for him. He 
or his relations then made presents to the parents of the in- 
tended bride, which were accepted if the ofier was approved ; 
otherwise they were returned. In the former case, the pa- 
rents di'essed their daughter in her best clothes, and con- 
ducted her to the bridegroom's residence. The ceremony- 
was then complete. • 

49. Family Relations. — The Indian wife, or squaw, had 
a hard lot. Besides being compelled to do all the drudgery, 
she was generally treated by her husband with indifference, 
and often with cruelty. For his children, particularly dur- 
ing infancy, the warrior entertained a stronger affection. 
He could endure pain without a groan ; but, when misfor- 
tune overtook his offspring, he gave way to the most violent 
grief. The loss of a promising son was regarded as the great- 
est possible calamity ; and often, to redeem a child from the 
enemy, a father has surrendered himself, and been burned 
at the stake m his stead. 

50. Education. — The education of the young Indian con- 
sisted chiefly of athletic exercises and such training as would 
enable him to endm-e hunger and fatigue. At the age of 
eight years, he was required from time to time to fast half a 
day, and at twelve often passed a whole day without food 
or di'ink, his face being blackened dm*ing the fast. At 
eighteen, he underwent his final trial. His face was now 
blackened for the last time, and he was led far into the 
woods, where he was left without food as long as life could 
be so supported. His guardians then came for him, praised 
his endurance, took him home, and after various ceremonies 
informed him that he was now a man. ISTo instance has 
ever been known of an Indian boy's eating or drinking 
while undergoing the trial of the blackened face. 

In some tribes and families, the young were instructed in 
the history and institutions of thek people. This task de- 

emony. 49. How was the Indian wife treated ? How did the warrior feel towards his 
children ? What has a father often done ? 50. Of what did the young Indian's educa- 
tion consist ? At the age of eight, what was he required to do ? Describe his final trial. 
In some tribes, what were the young taught ? On whom did this task devolve ? What 



36 DESCRIPTION OF THE INDIANS. 

volved on tlie old, who had themselves received their knowl- 
edge from chiefs that had preceded them. A venerable 
warrior once said that his father had labored day and night 
to teach him the laws, ceremonies, and history of his nation, 
" that he might one day benefit his people by his counsel". 
The necessity of fortitude and self-restraint was also im- 
pressed upon the mind from an early period. 

51. Wars. — Indian wars usually consisted of expeditions 
carried on by small parties, whose object was to surprise the 
enemy, to kill as many as possible, and to return home in 
safety with the scalps of their victims. To be complete in 
their eyes, a victory had to be obtained by stratagem, and 
without any loss of thek own number. There was httle glory 
in gaining a battle by open force ; and to fall on the field, 
instead of being thought honorable, was rather regarded as 
a proof of rashness or unskilfiilness. In large bodies, fi-om a 
want of discipline, they could not act with much success. 

Their armies were not encumbered with baggage or mili- 
tary stores, but depended, for the small amoimt of food they 
needed, on the game they might meet with in the forest. To 
provide against emergencies, however, each warrior carried 
a bag of pounded maize ; and, this with his arms being his 
only burden, he marched with great rapidity. On a warhke 
expedition, the chief led the way, and each of his followers 
trod noiselessly in his tracks, leaving as small a trail as pos- 
sible. When there was danger of pursuit, the last warrior 
concealed the footsteps of the party by covering them with 
leaves and branches. The senses of the Indian were wonder- 
fully acute, and great ingenuity was often shovni in discov- 
ering the trail of a cunning enemy who had left httle or no 
clue to his course. 

52. In ancient times the weapons of the Indians were very 
rude, consisting principally of war-clubs, and hatchets, or 

did a venerable warrior once say ? What was early impressed on their minds? 51. Of 
what did Indian wars consist? What was essential to the completeness of a victory? 
What prevented their success, when acting in large bodies? With what were their 
armies not encumbered ? On what did they depend for food ? What did each warrior 
carry? On a warlike expedition, how did they march? When there was danger of 
pursuit, what did the last warrior do ? In what did the Indian display great ingenuity? 



TREATMENT OF CAPTIVES. 



37 




^^ 



^ 



tom'-a-hawks. The latter were 
originally of stone, but after 
the arrival of Europeans they were made 
of iron and more perfectly shaped. In 
hunting, they used bows and arrows. 
These, with spears, are still the chief weap- 
f*l ons of the prairie Indians, who have so far 
dejDarted from their ancient customs as to 
make their attacks on horseback. Guns are 
generally used by the forest tribes. 
A captive taken in war was conducted to the 
village of his conquerors. Here he was obliged 
" to run the gauntlet" between two long lines 
of men, women, and children, who beat him as 
he passed. The prisoner's fate was then decided by a 
council. He was either adopted by the tribe and re- 
ceived into some family in the place of a lost husband, 
son, or brother, or else was sentenced to be burned aUve. 
In the latter case, he was immediately fastened to the 
stake ; and amid the heart-rending tortures that fol- 
lowed, if he Tv^shed to maintain the fame of his fathers, he 
was obhged to repress aU signs of suffering. Neither sigh 
nor groan escaped him. While the flames blazed around 
him, he sung his war-song in tones of exultation, or boasted 
of Jtiis exploits in carrying death and desolation into the vil- 
lages of his enemies. He repeated the names of their rela- 



52, Formerly, what weapons did the Indians use? What did they use in hunting? 
Describe the weapons represented in the engraving. With what is the prairie Indian 
now armed? With what, the forest Indian? What was done with a captive taken in 
war ? If not adopted, what fate awaited him ? To maintain the fame of his fathers, 



38 DESCRIPTION OF THE INDIANS. 

tives whom he had slain. He reminded his persecutors ol 
the terrible vengeance his peoj^le would inflict. He excited 
their fury by calling them cowards and women, and even 
derided them for their ignorance of the art of torturing, 
telHng how on such occasions he had made the flesh of their 
kinsmen quiver at the stake. At last liis taunts provoked 
some furious enemy to inflict the death-blow, or else the 
flames did their work and the unsubdued spirit of the warrior 
was free forever. 

53. Government. — ^The Indians were divided into difierent 
tribes, each of which had its sa^-chem, or chie^ though in 
most cases his power was little more than nominal. When- 
ever a chief obtained a high degree of authority, it was be- 
cause he excelled in eloquence, cunning, or bravery. When 
a tribe was called into the field, it was of com'se necessary 
that there should be some leader ; but both on the march 
and in the engagement much more freedom was allowed to 
individuals than among civihzed nations. There were no 
laws, and in time of peace the chief exercised httle or no au- 
thority. If a wi'ong was committed, its punishment was lefli 
to those who suffered it. To settle important matters, coun- 
cils were held, at which all who had killed an enemy in war 
were present. After smoking round the council-fire a long 
time in silence, the chief or the oldest warrior present dehv- 
ered his opinion, and then the other old men in succession. 
Perfect order reigned in these assembhes, and every speaker 
was Hstened to in silence. The chief, being generally the 
most sagacious and eloquent of his tribe, had httle trouble in 
convincing the others and deciding the matter according to 
his own views. Among some of the southern nations, the 
chiefs are said to have possessed greater power, to have been 
distinguished by a pecuhar dress, and at death to have trans- 
mitted their authority to their sons. 

54. Modes of Burial. — Different modes of burial pre- 

what was he obliged to do ? Describe the scene of torture, 53. How were the Indians 
divided ? What did each tribe have ? What is said of the authority of the chiefs ? 
When was it most sti-ictly exercised ? To whom was the punishment of a wrong left ? 
How were important matters settled? Describe the proceedings at these councils. 



MODES OF BURIAL. 



39 



vailed among different tribes. Some laid the body on the 
ground, and erected over it a little house covered Avith bark, 
or dug a grave in the earth in which they placed the corpse 
in a sitting posture. Other nations deposited the body in a 
kind of cofiin on a high scaffold, or left it hanging from a 
tree. A young mo- 
ther has been seen ^ ^.c- 
suspending the body 
of her deceased child 
to the pendent bran- 
ches of the flowering 
maple, and singing a 
lament to the object 
of her love as it 
waves in the breeze. 

The Indian wished 
every thing that he 
valued in life to be 
buried with him, that 
it might be ready for 
his use on entering 
the spirit-land. His 
tomahawk and knife, 
his bow and arrows, 
were placed by his side. This custom is stiU preserved. 
His medals and other tokens of distinction are often laid in 
the hand of the deceased chief, and his favorite dog and 
horse are killed, to bear him company. 

55. JReligion. — The religion of the Indians closely resem- 
bled that which first existed on the earth. They worshipped 
one God, the creator and preserver of all things. They 
spoke of him with reverence, and beheved that he was every- 
where present, that he knew their wants, and aided those 
who loved and obeyed him. They prayed to him for every 




-'^Yu 



INDIAN WOMAN LAMENTING HEE CHILD. 



Whose views generally prevailed? What is said of the chiefs among the southern 
tribes? 54. Describe the different modes of burial What has a young mother been 
seen to do ? What did the Indian wish to have buried with him ? How is this custom 
still carried out ? 55. What is said of the religion of the Indians ? Whom did they 



40 DESCRIPTION OF THE INDIANS. 

thing they wanted, for health, for courage, and for success 
in hunting and war. 

The American Indians had no idols or temples. These 
were probably devised after their fathers had separated from 
the rest of mankind and emigrated to America. They sj^oke 
of certain natural objects as inferior divinities, but regarded 
them merely as symbols or representatives, of the Manitou 
lynati'-e-too], or Great Spirit. 

With this general idea of the Deity different tribes blend- 
ed various traditions ol their own. The Shawniees, for in- 
stance, beheved that the Great Spirit was an Indian, and 
that he made all the races of men, not out of nothing, but 
out of himself. The Delawares, and indeed Indians gener- 
ally, thought that the Deity possessed a human form, and 
was in all respects a man. 

56. There were various traditions concerning the Crea- 
tion, of which that of the Chip'-pe-ways may be mentioned. 
When the first man came into the world they did not pre- 
tend to say, but they believed that he appeared in the sum- 
mer months, and subsisted on berries. In the winter he 
Hved by hunting ; but when a deep snow came, finding it 
difficult to walk, he tried to make a snow-shoe. He formed 
the frame of the shoe without difficulty, but when it came 
to weaving in the web he succeeded ]3oorly, and at last aban- 
doned the work. On returning from hunting, however, 
every evening, he found that the work had progressed, and 
finally saw a bird fly away, which he supposed had been en- 
gaged upon it. At last he captured the bird by stratagem, 
and it immediately turned into a beautiful woman. 

57. The Red Men generally beheved in the existence of 
good and bad spirits ; the former of whom held intercourse 
with certain persons on earth, and endowed them with su- 
perior power. Those who were thus favored were known 
as " medicine-men", and to them resort was had for advice 

worship ? What did they believe respecting the Supreme Being ? Explain how it was 
that the Indians had no idols. What did the various tribes blend with the general 
idea of the Deity ? What did the Shawnees believe ? What, the Delawares ? 56. Give 
the Chippeway tradition of the Creation. 57. In what did the Red Men generally be- 
lieve ? Who were the " medicine-men" ? When was resort had to them ? What did 



CHAKAOTER OF THE RED MEN. 41 

when an important enterprise was about to be undertaken. 
Besides tiie herbs whose use he was taught by experience, 
the medicine-man emj)loyed various incantations and magi- 
cal ceremonies : if successful, he was thought to have gained 
a victory over the evil spirit ; and, if the patient died, this 
same evil spirit bore the blame. 

58. The Indians believed that the soul, freed from the body 
at death, hastened to the happy hunting-grounds. Before it 
could reach this bhssful region, they thought it had to pass 
some ordeal by which its worthiness was tested. This was 
generally represented as a bridge over a dark river. The 
wicked feK into the stream, and either remained there for- 
ever, struggling with the waves, or were borne off to a place 
of perpetual torture. The good, on the other hand, crossed 
in safety, and reached the happy hunting-grounds, which were 
stocked with the choicest game and abounded in all that 
could render the warrior happy. 

59. Character. — The Indian was distinguished by a re- 
markable want of foresight. This was seen m his nesjlect to 
provide food beyond what was needed for the moment. 
What he suffered one year did not increase his industry the 
next, or make him more careful to provide against similar 
distress for the future. The greatest warriors were unable 
to carry out any far-reaching pohcy. 

Another prominent trait of the Red Men was sleepless 
caution. Whether among friends or foes, they watched ev- 
ery movement around them with suspicion. They spoke 
little, and weighed weU every word. They showed great 
firmness in trial, and rarely gave way to their feelings. For 
the most part, they were true-hearted patriots. The graves 
of their fathers they defended with the greatest bravery; 
and, if they displayed cruelty towards their foes, it must be 
remembered that they were so taught from infancy. 

In later times, the Indians have shown a great aversion to 

the medicine-man employ? What was thought if he effected a cure? What, if the 
patient died? 58. What did the Indians think respecting the soul after death ? What 
ordeal did they believe that it bad to pass ? What was their idea of the happy hunting, 
grounds ? 59. By what was the Indian distinguished ? How was this want of foresight 



42 ' DESCRIPTION OF THE INDIANS. 

civilization. Strongly attached to their savage mode of life, 
they will not give it up until obliged to do so. To the re- 
straints of education they are equally opposed. They readily 
understand simple truths, but their minds seem incapable of 
any long continued effort. 

shown ? What other prominent trait did the Eed Men possess ? How did they bear 
trial and suffering ? What is said of their patriotism ? In later times, what have the 
Indians shown ? Of what do their minds seem incapable ? 



PAET II. 

COLONIAL PERIOD, 

EXTENDING FROM THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA BY CO- 
LUMBUS, A. D. 1492, TO THE BREAKING OUT 
OF THE REVOLUTION, 1775. 



CHAPTER I. 

VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES OF COLUMBUS. 

60. The discovery of America, the most important event 
of modem times, next demands our attention. On this 
subject we have conflicting and uncertain accounts. Ac- 
cording to Welsh historians, the Atlantic was first crossed 
in 1170, A. D., by Ma'-doc, a pruice and hero of Wales; but 
the Norwegians, on stronger evidence, claim this honor for 
one of their adventurous sea-kings. In the ninth century, 
both Iceland and Greenland were discovered and colonized 
by Scandinavian navigators; and about the year 1000 a. d., 
if we may believe Ice-land^-ic manuscripts, a vessel driven by 
storms southwest of Greenland arrived at the continent of 
America. If this be true, it was no doubt the barren shore 
of Labrador that was reached ; and so unimportant was the 
discovery considered that it was soon forgotten. 

61. In the fifteenth century, nothing was known in Europe 
of a continent beyond the ocean. The mariner's compass, 
invented in 1302, had enabled the sailor to push out more 
boldly from land ; yet even the Por'-tu-guese, then the most 

60. For whom do the Welsh claim the honor of first crossing the Atlantic? What 
people claim it on better grounds ? What discoveries did the Norwegians make in the 
ninth century? What do tlie Icelandic manuscripts say? If this be true, what part of 
the coast was probably reached ? 61. What is said of navigation in the fifteenth century ? 



44: VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES OF COLUMBUS. [1435 

enterprising navigators in the world, had gone no further 
than the A-zores' on the west, and the equator on the south. 
It was reserved for the great genius of Christopher Colum- 
bus, amid discouragements of every kind, to add a new con- 
tinent to the civiHzed world. 

62. Columbus was born at Genoa \Jen'-o-d] about 1435. 
His father was a wool-comber, but gave his son advantages 
of education, particularly in geography, mathematics, and 
astronomy, for which he early displayed a -decided taste. At 
fourteen, he went to sea. A few years later, in the service 
of a kinsman who commanded a small Genoese squadron, he 
took 23art in an engagement with some Venetian {ve-ne'-sha7i] 
vessels off" the coast of Portugal. His ship caught fire, and 
Columbus, leaping into the weaves, barely saved his life by 
SAvimming ashore. The fame that Portugal had won by her 
maritime enterprise attracted him to Lisbon [Uz'-bon] ; and 
there he married the daughter of an eminent navigator, 
whose charts and journals awakened within him an ardent 
thirst for discovery. From this time to 1477, we find him 
engaged m various voyages to Madeka [ma-cZa'-ra], the Ca- 
na^-ries, the Azores, the coast of Guinea and Iceland. 

63. The geographical researches of Columbus had con- 
vinced him that the earth was round, and that land would 
be found in the west to counterbalance the eastern conti- 
nent. The maps of the day gave little information respect- 
ing the extent of Asia ; and Columbus imagined that it 
stretched much further east than it really did, or that large 
islands lined its coast, but a few hundred leagues west of 
Europe. Many circumstances confirmed him in this belief. 
Pieces of wood strangely carved had been picked up by 
those who had ventured into the unknown ocean. Trees 
torn up by the roots were often driven by west w^ds on 
the Azores ; and upon one island of this group had been 

How far had the Portuguese gone ? For whom was the discovery of America reserved ? 

62. Where and when was Columbus born ? For what sciences did he early display a 
taste? At fourteen, what did he do ? Some years later, what befell him ? Where did 
lie then go ? Whom did he marry ? From this time to 1477, in what was he engaged ? 

63. Of what was Columbus convinced by his researches? What is said of the maps of 
that day? What did Columbus imagine respecting Asia? What confirmed him in 



14:84r] HIS APPLICATIONS FOR AID. 45 

washed the bodies of two men, totally different in appear- 
ance from the natives of Euroj^e and Africa. 

64. Firm in his oj^inion, Columbus next sought the means 
of testing its truth. He must have men and ships. His first 
proposals, made to the senate of his native city, were reject- 
ed. His next application was to John H., of Portugal ; 
who, after draT\ang out his plans, treacherously sent a vessel 
on the proposed course under another commander, but hap- 
pily gained nothing by his baseness. Disgusted with this 
treatment, Columbus sent his brother Bartholomew to Hen- 
ry VH., of England. Bartholomew was captured by pii'ates, 
and it was years before he reached London. The English 
monarch listened to him with favor, and would probably 
have become the patron of Columbus had he not pre\dously 
found one in another quarter. 

65. After his disappointment in Portugal, 1484, Columbus 
went to Spain. Destitute and friendless, he obtained an 
humble living for himself and his son Diego [de-a'-go] by 
making charts and maps. At last he succeeded in procuring 
an intervicAv with Ferdinand, king of ArM-a-gon. This cau- 
tious monarch, after listening to his projects, submitted them 
to the learned men of the University of Sal-a-man'-ca, by 
whom they were once more condemned. 

66. After years of trial, Columbus finally obtained an in- 
terview with Isabella, the wife of Ferdinand and queen of 
Castile [eas-teel'^ and Leon [ld'-on\. To enable hitn to ap- 
pear at court, she sent him a small sum of money (about 
$70), with which he procured a mule and suitable clothing. 
The queen, though moved by his arguments, was dissuaded 
from furnishing the required aid. More disheartened than 
ever, Columbus was on the point of abandoning Spain, when 



this belief? 64 To test this opinion, what did he need ? To whom were his first pro- 
posals made ? With what success ? To whom did he next apply ? What was the re- 
sult? To whom did he then send his brother? What happened to Bartholomew? 

65. After his disappointment in Portugal, where did Columbus go ? How did he sup- 
port himself? With whom did he finally obtain an interview ? What was the result ? 

66. After years of trial, who manifested an interest in the plans of Columbus? How 
was he enabled to appear at court ? What was the result of this interview? What 
prevented Columbus from abandoning Spain ? What dignity was conferred on him ? 



46 



VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES OF COLUMBUS. [1*93 



at last, by the advice of wiser counsellors, Isabella deter- 
mined to embark in the enterprise, even if she had to pledge 
her jewels to raise the necessary funds. Columbus was com- 
missioned as High Admiral and Viceroy of all the countries 
he might discover, and hastened to Palos [pah'-los] to fit 
out the expedition. 

There was great difficulty in finding sailors for such a voy- 
age ; but, with the aid of the queen, three vessels and ninety 
men were obtained. The ships were very small, none of 
them being over 100 tons burden. The Santa Maria {ma- 
re' -a\ which bore the flag of Columbus, was the only one 
that had a deck. Two brothers by the name of Pin'-zon 
commanded the Pin'-ta and the Nina \ne'-7ia\. Provisions 
were laid in for a year. The whole expense of the outfit 
was only £4,000. 




FLEET OF COLTTMBTTS SAILING FROM PALOS. 



67. The little fleet sailed from Palos, Aug. 3, 1492 ; and, 
after stopping at the Canaries to refit and take in fresh wa- 
ter, stood boldly out into the ocean. When the land faded 
from their sight, a full sense of the dangers they were to en- 



What difficulty was experienced ? Name and describe the ships. Who commanded 
the Pinta and the Nina ? What was the expense of the outfit ? 67. Whence and when 



14r93] HIS LABOKS CROWNED WITH SUCCESS. 47 

counter seized on the sailors ; and their fears gradually in- 
creased, till, on the expiration of twenty days without any 
signs of land, they began to talk of throwing their com- 
mander overboard and returning home. The variation of 
the compass had not yet been discovered, and their alarm 
was therefore greatly heightened when they observed that 
the magnetic needle no longer pointed directly north. It 
was a trying hour for Columbus, but his great mmd was 
equal to the crisis. Explaining the variation of the compass 
in a manner satisfactory to his followers though not to him- 
self, he used every means to induce them to prosecute the 
voyage, now picturing to their minds the riches they would 
obtain and now threatening them with the anger of their 
sovereign. At length both officers and men insisted on re- 
turning, and Columbus was obliged to promise that unless 
land appeared within three days he would comply with their 
demand. The shallowness of the water, the numerous birds 
in the air, the grass and we^ds floating by, a branch that 
was picked up with berries still fresh upon it, all made him 
sure that he could give this promise with safety. 

68. On the evening of October 11th, the sails were furled, 
and a close watch was kept. At ten o'clock, a moving light 
was discerned in the distance by Columbus and several 
others. At two in the morning, a shout from the Pinta an- 
nounced the discovery of land. Da^vn displayed to the over- 
joyed adventurers a scene of strange beauty. The land was 
covered with forests, and gay with the foliage and flowers 
of a tropical cHme. The natives thronged from the woods 
to gaze at the ships, which mth their white sails they re- 
garded as huge birds hovering over the sea. 

69. Columbus was the first to touch the newly discovered 
shore. Richly attired and w^ith drawn sword, he landed. 
KneeUng on the sand, he kissed the earth, and returned 
thanks to God. When he had taken formal possession of 



did the fleet sail ? Give an account of the voyage. What was Columbus at last obliged 
to promise ? What made him feel sure that land was near ? 68. What took place on 
the evening of October 11, 1492 ? When day broke, what did the voyagers behold ? 
69. Who was the first to land ? Give an account of the landing. What was the land 



48 VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES OF COLUMBUS. [1*93 

the country in the name of the king and queen of Spain, 
his followers rendered him homage as viceroy, and the in- 
habitants, regarding the Spaniards as a sui^erior race, pros- 
trated themselves at his feet. The land thus reached was 
one of the Bahama [ba-hd'-mci] Islands. It was called by the 
Indians Guanahani [gwah-9iah-hah'-ne], but received from 
Columbus the name of San Salvador, by which it is still 
kno^\^i. 

Learning from the natives that gold was found further to 
the south, Columbus soon sailed in that direction, and dis- 
covered Cu'-ba, and His-pan-i-o'-la, since called by its original 
Indian name Haiti [2'-^e]. One of his vessels having been 
wrecked, he left 35 of his men as a colony on Hispaniola, 
and on the 1st of January, 1493, set sail for Spain. A vio- 
lent storm on the return voyage threatened his frail vessels 
with destruction ; and Columbus, fearing that his discoveries 
would be lost to the world, T\TOte an account of them on 
parchment, secured it in a cask, and threw it into the sea, in 
the hope that it would reach the shore in safety. The storm, 
however, abated ; and, after being first driven to Lisbon, 
the shattered vessels finally entered the port of Palos, amid 
the acclamations of the people and the thunder of cannon. 
Columbus hastened to the king and queen, laid before them 
the history of his discoveries, presented specimen products 
of the new world, showed them the natives whom he had 
brought with him, and in return was loaded with the high- 
est honors. 

10. On the 25th of September, 1493, Columbus sailed 
again, from Ca^-diz, w^ith 17 vessels and 1,500 men. On ar- 
rivuig at Hispaniola, he found that his colony had been cut 
off. The injustice and cruelty T\dth which they had treated 
the unoffending natives had provoked the latter, gentle and 
friendly as they were, to summary vengeance. After pro- 
viding for the erection of a fort, Columbus proceeded to 

thus reached? Where did Columbus soon sail, and why? What island did he dis- 
cover? What happened to him there? How many men did he leave there? Where 
did the rest go ? What happened on the return voyage ? How did Columbus seek to 
prevent his discoveries from being lost to the world ? What port did he finally reach ? 
How was he received ? 70. When did Columbus again set sail ? With how many ves 



1*94] THIRD VOYAGE OF COLUMBUS. 49 

explore Jamaica [Ja-fnd'-ka] and the surrounding islands. 
Soon after completing this work, he was filled with delight 
by the arrival of his brother Bartholomew, whom he had not 
seen for 13 years, and whom, returning from his mission to 
England after his brother had sailed the second time, Isa- 
bella had sent to the new world with supplies. 

Tu'ed of hardship and disappointed in the hope of obtain- 
ing gold, the followers of Columbus now began to murmur. 
His management of aifairs was complained of, and an emis- 
sary of liis enemies was sent out to examine into it. Colum- 
bus deemed it proper to return to Spain and plead his own 
cause before the throne. He established his mnocence be- 
yond dispute, and was once more received into favor. 

71. In 1498, Columbus undertook a third voyage. Di- 
rectmg his course more towards the equator than he had 
previously done, he discovered Trin-i-dad' and the South 
American coast near the mouth of the O-ri-no'-co. He was 
for a time in great danger on account of the rush of waters 
from the mouth of this great river, and judged aright that 
so mighty a stream could belong only to a continent. On his 
return to Hispaniola, he set about regulating the affairs of 
the colony, but was interrupted in the work by the arrival 
of Bovadilla [bo-va-deel'-ya], whom, at the instigation of ene- 
mies, the Spanish sovereigns had invested T\dth powers to 
examine into his conduct, and, if needful, supersede him in 
the command. Columbus was sent back to Spain in chains. 
The master of the vessel, indignant that the great discoverer 
should be treated so unworthily, offered to take off his fet- 
ters ; but Columbus, grieved at the ingratitude of those he 
had faithfully served, refused to have them removed, took 
them with him wherever he went, and ordered that they 
should be placed with him m his coffin. He triumphantly 
repelled every charge, but his sovereigns never had the jus- 

sels and men ? On arriving at Hispaniola, what did he find ? Where did he next go ? 
On returning to Hispaniola, whom was he surprised to see ? What did the followers of 
Columbus now begin to do ? Who was sent out to examine into his conduct ? On this, 
what did Columbus do? 71. Give an account of the third voyage of Columbus. On 
reaching Hispaniola, to what did he devote himself? How was he interrupted ? What 
indignity was put upon him ? How was he received at court? Who was appointefl 



50 VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES OF COLUMBUS. [l50.3 

tice to restore him to his station. They put him off on dif- 
ferent pretexts ; and, when it became necessary to remove 
Bovadilla on accomit of his mismanagement, O-van'-do was 
appointed his successor. 

72. Though cut to the heart by this ingratitude, and be- 
ginning to feel the infirmities of age, Cohimbus in 1502 set 
out on a fourth voyage. He still believed that the land he 
had discovered formed part of Asia, and did not hve to have 
the delusion dispelled. The object of this last voyage was 
to find a passage to India by pushing further westward than 
he had yet been. He explored the coast for a considerable 
distance along the Gulf of Darien ; but at last, after a suc- 
cession of disasters, m the attempt to return to Hispaniola 
he was wrecked on the coast of Jamaica. Reduced to the 
verge of starvation, and in danger of attack from the In- 
dians, Columbus saved himself and his men by an ingenious 
device. From his acquaintance with astronomy, he knew 
that an eclipse of the moon was about to take place ; and, 
on the morning of the day, summoning the natives around 
him, he informed them that the Great Spirit was displeased 
because they had not treated the Spaniards better, and that 
he would shroud his face fi-om them that night. When the 
moon became dark, the Indians, convinced of the truth of 
his words, hastened to him Tv-ith plentiful supplies, praying 
that he would beseech the Great Spu'it to receive them again 
into favor. After undergoing extraordinary hardships, Co- 
lumbus finally succeeded in reaching Hispaniola, and in the 
summer of 1504 he landed once more in Spain. 

73. Queen Isabella had died shortly before ; and the re- 
maining two years of the great discoverer's life were shroud- 
ed in gloom. He died peaceably at Yalladohd \val-la-do- 
leecV] in the 71st year of his age. His chains were buried 
with him, and his remains now rest in the cathedral of Ha- 
van^-a. 

successor to Bovadilla ? 72. What did Columbus still believe respecting the land he 
had discovered? When did he start on his fourth voyage ? What was his object? 
What finally befell him? How did Columbus on one occasion save himself and his 
men? At last, what island did they succeed in reaching? 73. What is said of the last 
two years of Columbus's life ? Where and at what age did he die ? Where is ho buried ? 



1499] ORIGIN OF THE NAME AMERICA. 51 

Columbus was tall, well-formed, and muscular. His coun- 
tenance bore an air of authority, and his demeanor was 
grave and dignified. He was distinguished by a vivid im- 
agination, lofty enthusiasm, high moral worth, great inven- 
tive genius, and a steadfastness of purpose which overcame 
all difficulties. 

74, Meanwhile, encouraged by the success of Columbus, 
other Spanish navigators had found their way to the new 
world. Among these was Ojeda \o-hd^-dah\ Following the 
course taken by Columbus in his second voyage, he touched 
on the South American coast, without, however, making any 
important discovery. In Ojeda's company was a well-edu- 
cated Florentine gentleman named Amerigo Vespucci [ci-ma'- 
re-go ves-poot' -she\ who published an interesting description 
of the lands he had visited. This. was the first written ac- 
count of the new world ; and, as it left Columbus out of 
view, the Western Continent, instead of being called after it^ 
real discoverer, was unjustly styled, from the name of this 
Florentine, America. 



CHAPTER II. 

EARLY EXPLORATIONS. FIRST PERMANENT SETTLEMENTS. 

75. English Discoveries. — In the latter part of the fifteenth 
century, England was laid waste by civil wars, known in his- 
tory as the Wars of the Roses. As soon as they ended, 
commerce began to receive attention. Adventures to the 
new world promised large profits ; and Henry YII., wishing 
to secure his share, commissioned John Ca-bot', a Venetian 
merchant of Bristol, to sail on a voyage of discovery and take 
possession of all new lands in the name of England. On the 
24th of June, 1497, before Columbus had yet seen the main- 
Describe his person and character. 74 Meanwhile what had other Spanish navigators 
been doing? Among these, who is specially mentioned ? Wlio went in Ojeda's com- 
pany ? What did he do on his return ? What honor did he thus unjustly obtain ? 

75. What desolated England towards the end of the fifteenth century? When these 
wars had ended, what began to receive attention ? What did Henry VII. do ? What 



52 



EARLY EXPLORATIONS. 



[149- 



land of America, Cabot reached what is now called New- 
foundland \new^-fund-land\ and gave it the name of Prima 
Vista [pre'-mah vee8'-tali\^ first vieic. As the profits of the 
enterjDrise, he brought back to King Henry three saA^ages, 
and two turkeys, the first specimens of this bird ever seen in 
Europe. 

Soon after the return of John Cabot, Sebastian, his son, 
set sail with 300 men, for the purpose of discovering a north- 
west passage to China. The icebergs of the northern ocean 
compelled him to turn from 
his course ; and visiting various 
points as far south as Albemarle 
Sound, he took possession of the 
whole for the crown of Eng- 
land. Sebastian made several 
subsequent voyages, and ex- 
plored various parts of the 
coast. Till 1578, England 
made no attempt to colonize 
the lands to which she had thus 
secured the title. 

76. Portuguese Discoveries. — The principal Portuguese 
navigators that made discoveries in America were Cabral 
\cah-})rahV^ and Cortereal \cor-ta-raf -aX\. The former, on his 
vray to the East Indies romid the Cape of Good Hope, 
crossed the Atlantic to avoid the delays of the coast voyage, 
and thus by accident discovered Brazil in the year 1500. 
He took possession of it in behalf of Portugal, and erected a 
cross which is still preserved. The next year, Cortereal 
coasted Labrador with the view of finding a northwest pas- 
sage to India ; but, not succeeding, he captured fifi:y of the 
natives, and sold them on his return as slaves. 

77. French Discoveries. — Though the French early visited 
the fishing-banks of Newfoundland, they made no attempt 




SEBASTIAN CABOT. 



discovery did Cabot make ? What did he bring back as the profits of his enterprise ? 
Who set sail soon after John Cabot's return ? What was his object? What success did 
he meet with ? 76. Who were the principal Portuguese discoverers? Give an account 
Df CabraTs discovery. What did Cortereal do ? 77. What part of the new world did 



1534] FRENCH DISCO YEKIES. 53 

at discovery till 1524. In that year, Verrazzani, a Floren- 
tine commissioned by the enterprising Francis I., explored 
the coast of North Carolina, Delaware, New Jersey, and 
Rhode Island, and opened a traffic Avith the Indians, who 
showed a friendly disposition. He called the whole country 
New France, a name afterwards confined to Can'-a-da. 

78. James Cartier [car-te-a'], in 1534, 1535, made two 
voyages to the northern part of the continent under a com- 
mission from the French government. In the former of these 
he explored the Gulf, and in the latter the River, St. Law- 
rence, which received their names from him. Passing up 
the river to the priucij^al Indian settlement, Hochelaga [ho- 
she-lah^-ga\ he was struck with the fineness of the situation, 
and gave the place the name of Mont Real \jnong ra-al\ 
royal mountain^ afterwards written as one word, Montreal 
\mon-tre-awl'\ Most of his men died of scurvy. The In- 
dians treated him kindly, but he repaid them by carrying 
their chief a prisoner to France. 

79. In 1540, Lord Roberval [ro-hare-vaV^ was appointed 
viceroy of New France, and sailed thither for the purpose of 
colonizing the country ; but the severity of the cHmate and 
other difficulties led him to abandon the idea. A body of 
Hu'-gue-nots, or French Protestants, subsequently settled on 
Port Royal, an island off the coast of South Carolina, and 
another party fixed their abode on the St. John's River, in 
Florida [see Map, p. 151]. The former, after suffering much 
from hunger and disease, returned to France. The latter 
were attacked by the Spaniards of St. Augustine \aw-gus- 
teen'^ and mostly massacred, the few survivors being incor- 
porated among their conquerors. 

80. The first permanent French settlement was made in 
1605, at Port Royal, Nova Scotia [fio'^-va sco^-shd], on the 

the French visit at an early period ? In 1524, who was commissioned to make discov- 
eries ? What part of the coast did he explore ? What name did he give to the country ? 
78. Give an account of Cartier's explorations. To what place did he give name ? What 
disease carried off his men ? How did he repay the Indians for their kindness ? 79. In 
1540, who was appointed French viceroy? What discouraged him from planting a col- 
ony ? Where were two Huguenot settlements made ? What became of them ? [See 
Map, p. I51.]-In what part of Florida is the St. John's ? In what direction is it from St, 
Augustine ? What inlet south of St Augustine ?] 80. Where was the first permanent 



64 EARLY EXPLORATIONS. [l«03 

Bay of Fim'-dy. De Monts [du mong^\ who planted this 
colony, explored the coast as far south as Caj^e Cod. In 
1608, the hrst permanent settlement m Canada was made by 
Champlam \sha'm-2^lane^\ who founded Que-bec^ and after- 
wards discovered the lake still called by his name. While 
exploring the country, he defeated the Iroquois, who then 
for the fii'st time heard the thunder and saw the strange fire 
of the Frenchmen's guns. Nor were the French, in turn, 
less dismayed by the barbarity mth which the savages tor- 
tured their prisoners and tore the scalps from dying and dead. 

81. Spanish Discoveries. — To Spain belongs the honor, 
not only of discovering America, but also of penetrating to 
the Pacific, and thus proving that the new world formed a 
separate and independent continent. 

After the death of Columbus, Ferdinand divided the 
Spanish possessions in America into two governments, one 
of which extended to the Gulf of Darien. Ojeda was sent 
out to colonize this southern region, to convert the natives, 
and extend the dominion of Spain. The Indians resisted ; 
the diseases of the climate proved fatal to the Spaniards ; 
and most of the colonists perished. The few that survived 
founded a feeble settlement at Santa Maria el Antigua \el 
an-te'-goo-ah\ and chose Yasco Nufiez de Balboa [yah'-sko 
noon' -yath da hal-ho' -ali\ for their commander. Among 
these colonists was Pizarro [joe-sar'-ro], afterwards cele- 
brated as the conqueror of Peru. 

In 1513, Balboa subdued some of the neighboring tribes 
and required them to pay a tribute. One day two of his 
ofiicers quarrelled about the division of some gold dust they 
had received. A native chief, who was present, threw the 
dust from the scales in derision, and told them that if they 
were so fond of gold he could conduct them to a country 



French settlement made ? By -wliom ? Who made the first permanent settlement in 
Canada ? What place did he found ? What lake did he discover ? With what Indians 
did he have an engagement? SI. What two-fold honor belongs to Spain ? How were 
the Spanish possessions divided after the death of Columbus ? Who was sent out to 
colonize the southern region ? What was the result ? Where did the survivors plant a 
feeble settlement? Whom did they choose for their commander? In 1513, what did 
Balboa do? What incident is related ? What did the chief tell them of ? Whatdid 



1.313 j DISCOVERY OF THE PACIFIC. 55 

where the commonest vessels were made of it. At the 
same time he informed them of a great ocean, which lay at 
a distance of six days' journey towards the south. Balboa's 
curiosity was excited, and he determined to test the truth 
of these statements. To encourage adventurers to join him, 
he sent presents of gold to Cuba; but only 190 men could 
be raised, A perilous march was commenced. Instead of 
six days, they wandered for twenty-five days through woods 
and over mountains. Heat and disease had almost over- 
come the weary and discouraged party, when the Indian 
guides announced that from the top of the next mountain 
the great ocean could be seen. When most of the ascent 
was completed, Balboa ordered his men to halt, and toiled 
on to the summit alone. Reaching the top, he beheld the 
mighty Pacific, and falling on his knees thanked God for 
leading him safely to this great discovery. He went down 
tx) the shore, and, advancing with sword and buckler till the 
water reached his waist, took possession of the ocean in the 
name of the king his master, and vowed to defend it with 
his arms. Four years afterwards, Balboa was executed by 
order of Pedrarias [pa-drah' -re-as\ who had superseded 
him as governor of Darien, professedly for treason, but real- 
ly on account of the jealousy inspired by his success. 

82. Florida was first visited by Ponce de Leon [2Jon'-thd 
da la' -on] in 1512, and received its name from the day on 
which it was discovered, Easter Sunday, called in Spanish 
pascua florida \^pah' scoo-ah Jlor'-e-dah\ Delighted with 
its profusion of foliage and flowers, he thought that its luxu- 
riant woods must contain the fabled fountain which would 
restore old age to the vigor of youth. After vainly trying 
to discover these precious waters, he attempted to plant a 
colony, but was attacked by Indians, lost a number of his 
men, and was himself mortally wounded with an arrow. 

83. In 1520, Yasquez de Ayllon [yah'-sJcaih da ile-yon^] vis- 



Balboa determine to do ? How many men did be raise ? Give an account of the 
march and discovery. What became of Balboa ? 82. By whom was Florida first visit- 
ed ? Why was it so called ? What did Ponce de Leon try to find in its luxuriant 
woods ? After failing in this, what did he attempt ? What became of him ? 83. Give 



56 EARLY EXPLORATIONS. [l530 

ited the coast of South Carolina in search of slaves. Hav- 
mg enticed a crowd of natives on board his ships, he sailed 
for Haiti. One of his vessels foundered at sea, and on the 
other so many died that the adventure was unprofitable. 
Five years afterwards, under a commission from Charles V., 
Vasquez attempted to conquer the country. His largest 
ship was stranded, and his men were killed by the natives 
near the place where their former treachery had been com- 
mitted. 

84. In 1528, De Narvaez [da 7iar^-vah-ath\ landed in Flor- 
ida under a commission to conquer the country. The na- 
tives allured him into the interior with stories of gold, but 
he found nothing to reward his trouble. After wandering 
nearly six months to no purpose, he returned to the sea, 
consti'ucted some rude barks, and sailed for Cuba. A storm 
wrecked his boats near the mouth of the Mississippi, and 
only four of the party, after incredible hardships, succeeded 
in reaching their countrymen. 

85. Ferdinand de Soto \da so^-to\^ who had distinguished 
himself in the invasion of Peru, next attempted the conquest 
of Florida and the exploration of the interior. Landing at 
Tam'-pa Bay with 600 chosen men clad in complete armor, 
he marched boldly into the wilderness, in search of gold and 
slaves. The little army took with them a forge with which 
to make new weapons when they were needed, and a drove 
of hogs which supported themselves by feeding in the woods. 
Though avarice was their ruling passion, De Soto and his 
men carefully observed every ceremony of their church. 
For sixteen months, they wandered over the territory now 
comprised in Alabama and Georgia, misled by their captive 
guides, worn out mth hardships, and disappointed in their 
hopes. The Indians whom they met were generally peace- 
able and unoffending. Without any provocation, the Span- 
iards treated them Avith the greatest cruelty, exacting what- 

an account of De Ayllon's voyage in 1520. Five years afterwards, what befell him? 
84. In 1528, who landed in Florida ? What was the result of his expedition ? 85. Who 
next attempted the conquest of Florida ? Where did he land ? With how many men ? 
What did the little army take with them? How did they spend the first sixteen 
months? What was the character of the Indians they met? How did they treat 



1540] DE SOTo's EXPEDITION. 57 

ever they wanted, requiring them to carry then- baggage, 
and on the sHghtest suspicion setting fire to their villages, 
cutting off their hands, throwing them to bloodhounds, or 
burning them alive. In the fall of 1540, the invaders found 
themselves on the site now occupied by the city of Mobile 
[mo-beer^. Extravagant demands were here made upon the 
Indians ; they resisted, and a battle ensued in which 2,500 
natives and 18 Spaniards were killed. 

Making his way northward, De Soto, A\ath his men now 
reduced to 500, spent a cheerless winter on the Yaz'-oo River. 
Wishing to continue his march in the spring, he demanded 
of the Chickasaws 200 men to carry his baggage ; but, in- 
stead of complying, they set fire by night to their wigwams, 
which the Spaniards had seized upon and occupied. Eleven 
of their party were thus burned alive. Most of the baggage 
was consumed, and many horses and hogs perished in the 
flames. 

Their losses having been re23aired as far as possible, the 
Spanish army moved to the west. Seven days brought them 
to the Mississippi, then (1541) for the first time seen by Eu- 
ropeans. They were kindly received by the Indians, who 
crossed the river in multitudes, bringing their visitors fish 
and loaves made of persimmons. A month was spent in 
crossing, and then De Soto, hearing of a rich country in the 
northwest, started in that direction. On the route, a tribe 
of Indians offered to worship the Spaniards as " children of 
the sun", and brought them those that were bhnd to be re- 
stored to sight. " Pray only to God who is m Heaven, for 
what ye need", was De Soto's reply. 

There was yet no gold, and not only the men but their 
leader were breaking do^vn under long contmued fatigue. At 
length they found their way to the country of the Natchez. 
This warlike tribe they tried to frighten into supplying what 
they needed. The Natchez chief, however, questioned the 



them? In the fall of 1540, where did they find themselves? What took place there? 
In what direction did they next move ? Where did they winter ? What took place in 
the spring ? In what direction did the Spanish army next move ? What river did 
they discover ? How were they received by the natives ? Where did they next go ? 



58 



EARLY EXPLORATIONS. 



[l54 2 



claims of his visitors, and was as ready for war as peace. 
" You say", said he, " you are the children of the sun ; dry 
up this river, and I will believe you". 

De Soto could no longer endure his disappointments. 




Distress of mind and exhaus- 
tion of body brought on a ma- 
lignant fever, of which he died in May, 1542. The priests 
chanted a requiem over his body, and his comrades T\Tfapped 
it in his mantle and sunk it at midnight beneath the waves 
of the mighty river he had discovered. The surviving Span- 
iards wandered as far south as the forests and plains of Texas, 
then turned their course north, and after great trials reached 
the Mississippi River, near the mouth of the Red. Here 
they erected their forge, made nails from the fragments of 
iron in their camp, and built some frail barks without decks. 



What occurred on the route? What was the condition of both men and leader? At 
last, where did they make their way ? What did they try to obtain from the Natchez ? 
What answer did tho chief make? What became of De Soto? Describe his burial. 



1543] HUGUENOT COLONY IN FLORIDA. 59 

In these they descended the Mississippi, and about half the 
original number finally reached the Mexican coast in safety. 

86. It has been mentioned that a party of French Hugue- 
nots had settled in Florida. Phihp 11., remembering that 
possession had been taken of the country in the name of the 
Spanish crown, resolved to drive them out, and in 1565 com- 
missioned Melendez [md-le^i^-ddth] for that purpose. Me- 
lendez undertook to subjugate the country in three years, to 
plant a colony, and to introduce the sugar-cane. He reached 
Florida on St. Augustine's \aw-gus-teenz^^ day, and gave the 
name of that saint to the river up which he sailed, and the 
town that he founded on its bank [see Map, p. 151]. This 
was the first permanent settlement within the present limits 
of the United States, bemg more than forty years older than 
any other. 

Ribeault [re-5o'], the French commander, immediately 
prepared to attack the Spaniards, but a storm wrecked his 
vessels and left him entirely at their mercy. Melendez w^as 
not long in taking advantage of his helplessness. Leading 
a strong force by land against the French fort, he took it, 
and caused a general massacre of all it contained, including 
even women and children, old and sick, declaring that he 
kiUed them, " not as Frenchmen but as Lutherans". 

This wanton cruelty was not to go unavenged. De 
Gourgues [du goorg'\ a brave adventm-er of Gascony, fitted 
out three ships with the aid of his friends, for the express 
purpose of punishing the murderers. He succeeded in sur- 
prising the Spanish settlement, and hanged his prisoners on 
trees, placing over them the inscription, "I do not 'this as 
unto Spaniards or mariners, but as unto traitors, robbers, and 
murderers". 

Too weak to maintain his position, De Gourgues returned 
to France, and the whole country was left under the domin- 

What became of the surviving Spaniards ? 86. Where had a party of French Hugue- 
nots settled ? Whom did Philip II. send to drive them out ? What did Melendez un- 
dertake to do ? Where did he land, and on what day ? [See Map, p. 151.] How is St. 
Augustine situated ? In what direction from the St. John's Eiver ?] How does St. 
Augustine compare in age with the other permanent settlements? What did the 
French commander do ? Relate what followed. How and by whom was this cruel act 



60 CONQUEST OF MEXICO AND PERU. [iSIS 

ion of Spain. Cuba henceforth formed the centre of the 
Spanish West Indian possessions ; which included, not only 
the surroundmg islands, but all that portion of the continent 
that lay on the Ca-rib-be'-an Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, 



CHAPTER III. 

CONQUEST OF MEXICO AND PERU. VOYAGE OF MAGELLAN, 

87. Grijalva [gre-hahl'-va], on a visit to the Mexican 
coast in 1517, first heard of a rich empire in the interior 
under the dominion of Montezuma [Tnon-te-zoo'-'ma], Vela- 
squez [va-lah'-sJcatli], then governor of Cuba, resolved to at- 
tempt its conquest, and selected Fernando Cortez as com- 
mander of the expedition. Cortez was a man of great energy 
and courage, though unprincii^led, rapacious, and cruel. 
Devoting all his powers to the enterprise, he soon raised 617 
men, 16 of whom were mounted. Fire-arms had not at this 
period come into general use, and only thirteen muskets and 
ten small field-pieces could be procured. The arms of the 
greater part consisted of cross-bows, swords, and spears. 
Thus prepared, Cortez landed Avhere Vera Cruz [vd'-ra 
erooth] now stands in April, 1519. 

88. The natives had never before seen horses, and thought 
that the horse and rider were one and the same animal. 
When they looked at these formidable creatures and the 
floating fortresses in which the Spaniards had come, when 
they heard the thunder of the muskets and cannon and mt- 
nessed the terrible effects of their discharge, they thought 
the strangers must indeed be the children of the gods. Kews 
of their arrival was soon conveyed to the emperor, who sent 
back orders that they should leave the country. But to these 

avenged? What became of De Gourgues? What henceforth were inclnded in the 
Spanish possessions? 

87. Who first heard of Montezuma's empire? Who was governor of Cuba at the time? 
What did he resolve to do? Whom did he select as commander? What kind of a man 
was Cortez? How large a force did he raise? How were they armed? Where did 
they land? 88. Whom did the natives take the strangers to be? Why? What mes- 



1519] COETEZ AlTD MONTEZUMA. 61 

Cortez paid no heed, particularly as they were accompanied 
with rich presents which allured him onward. 

Havmg suppressed a threatened mutmy and destroyed 
his shijDS that there might be no temptation to return, Cor- 
tez advanced into the country. He met with httle opposition 
on his march, induced the Tlascalans \tlah-skah'-lanz\ a tribe 
hostile to Mexico, to join hun, and at last came m sight of 
the great Az'-tec city. With rapture he beheld evidences 
of civilization that he had found in no other part of the con- 
tinent. Temples and palaces, stately structures and gilded 
domes, ghttered in the simhght. A populous and magnifi- 
cent city lay before hun on a picturesque island, surroimded 
by a region teeming with the richest vegetation. 

89. Montezuma, alarmed by what he had heard respecting 
the invaders, received them hospitably. Gorgeously attired 
and borne m a chair on the shoulders of four men, he wel- 
comed them to his capital. There was a belief among his 
people, he told the Spanish leader, that strangers from the 
east would at some time visit them. The great chief who 
had brought the Aztecs to that spot had gone to a distant 
land, but promised that he or his descendants would return. 
"As you come," continued the emperor, "from that region 
where the sun rises, I doubt not that the king who sends you 
is the royal master of the Mexicans." 

Cortez took advantage of this superstitious feeling, and, 
not contented with the rich presents he had received, re- 
solved to gam possession of the whole country. He formed 
alliances with several neighboring caciques \ka-see1cs'\ or 
chiefs, who were enemies to Montezuma, and soon began to 
meddle with the afiairs of the empire. Destroying the idols 
to which hmnan sacrifices were offered in their temples, he 
placed m their stead images of the Virgin Mary and the 
saints. At last, Montezuma, though afiraid of the Spaniards, 
secretly ordered one of his generals to attack them. Cortez 

sage did the emperor send to Cortez? With what success? Give an account of tho 
inarch of Cortez. Describe the Aztec or Mexican capital. 89. How did Montezuma 
receive the invaders? What belief was current among his people? What did he tell 
Cortez? What did Cortez resolve to do? What changes did he try to make in their 



62 CONQUEST OF MEXICO AND PERU. [l519 

was not unprepared. Marching to the palace, he seized the 
general and fifty of his men, and burned them alive, after 
carrying off Montezuma in irons to his camp. The promise 
of liberty induced the captive emperor to give large sums of 
gold to the perfidious Cortez, who received them but under 
various pretexts refused to release his prisoner. 

The Mexicans at length took up arms in a body against 
then- oppressors ; and, with the view of appeasing them, 
Cortez compelled Montezuma to appear before them, and 
urge them to submission. When he showed himself on the 
battlements in his royal robes, the multitude bowed in re- 
spectful silence. But when they heard him argue for peace 
with the perfidious foe, violent reproaches and threats burst 
forth on every side. In a moment, a shower of arrows and 
stones fell round the unfortunate monarch. A blow from 
a heavy stone prostrated him, and he died soon after from 
its effects. 

90. A fierce and sudden attack enabled the Mexicans to 
drive the Spaniards from their capital. Guatimozin [^gwah- 
te-mo'-zin\ was placed on the throne, and proved a brave 
and skilful leader ; but he was no match for Cortez, with 
his horses and artillery. Having received a reinforcement 
of his countrymen and induced a native tribe to join his 
standard, the Spanish chief laid siege to the city, and afi;er 
75 days' hard fighting succeeded in taking it, August 13, 
1521. The royal family and the chief personages of the em- 
pire thus fell into his hands. 

Guatimozin was treated with the greatest barbarity. To 
compel him to tell into what part of the lake he had thrown 
the royal treasure, Cortez ordered him to be stretched on a 
bed of burning coals ; but he bore his sufferings with the 
fortitude of an American warrior. One of his favorites who 
was subjected to the same tortures, overcome by agony, 

religion ? At last what secret order did Montezuma give ? What course did Cortez 
take ? How did he afterwards perfidiously break his promise ? What were the Mexi- 
cans at length driven to do ? How did Cortez try to appease them ? What followed ? 
90. With what reverse did the Spaniards now meet? Who succeeded Montezuma? 
What kind of a leader did he make ? What aid did Cortez receive ? With this what 
did he succeed in doing ? How was Guatimozin treated ? What incident happened 



15ai] END OF THE CAREER OF CORTEZ. 63 

turned a dejected eye on his master, which seemed to im- 
plore permission to reveal the secret. The monarch with a 
look of authority and scorn replied, " Am I reposing on a 
bed of flowers ?" No further complaint escaped the faithful 
attendant, who soon died under the torture. The emperor 
was spared, only to suffer death shortly afterwards with the 
princes and chief nobles of his country. This was a fatal 
blow to Mexican power, and henceforth the supremacy of 
the Spanish was acknowledged. 

91. The king of Spain had by this time become jealous of 
the renown of Cortez. Commissioners were sent to inquire 
into his conduct, who seized his property and imprisoned his 
officers. Cortez made his way to Spain and was received 
with honor, though not restored to his former jDosition. He 
made another expedition to the new world, and explored 
Lower California. Returning a second time to Spain, he 
was treated with coldness and neglect. On one occasion 
desiring an audience with the king, he was obhged to force 
his way through the crowd and place his foot on the step of 
the carriage before he could gain attention. "Who are 
you?" said the king. "I am a man," answered Cortez, 
" who has gained you more provinces than your father left 
you towns." Cortez passed the rest of his life in solitude, 
and died at the age of sixty-two. 

92. Among the bravest and most distinguished Spanish 
adventurers of this period, was Pizarro. Rumors of its 
wealth and splendor attracted his attention to the Peruvian 
empire. He started from Panama on his first expedition in 
1524, but effected nothing more than the discovery of some 
islands on the coast. 

93. A second attempt was made two years later. The in- 
terior of the country was visited, but with incredible labor 
and suffering. On one occasion, worn out by fatigue and 

during his torture ? What finally became of Guatimozin ? What was the conse- 
quence? 91. What obliged Cortez to return to Spain? What expedition did he after- 
wards make ? How was he treated at court ? How did he rebuke the king on one oc- 
casion ? At what age did he die ? 92. What distinguished adventurer is next men- 
tioned ? To what empire did he turn his attention ? What is said of his first expedi- 
tion ? 93. Give an account of his second expedition. What story is told of Pizarro 



64 



CONQUEST OF MEXICO AND PERU. [l520 



■^"' - /.i^^l^, ry^// 




PIZAKRO AND HIS MEN. 



disease, many of the Spaniards wished to give up the enter- 
prise. Pizarro called them together, drew a line on the sand 
with his sword from east to west, and thus addressed them : 
— " Comrades, on that side are toil, hunger, nakedness, the 
drenching storm, battle, and death ; on this side are ease and 
safety. But on that side Hes Peru with its wealth ; on this 
is Panama with its poverty. Choose, each man, what best 
becomes a brave Castilian. For my part, I go to the south." 
With these words Pizarro crossed the line, and thirteen of 
his company followed. With this small but determined 
band Pizarro persevered. Succor reached him, and he was 
enabled to penetrate to the city of Tumbez \toom' -bdth\ and 
see with his own eyes the riches of which he had heard. 

94. In 1531, armed mth authority from the Spanish court, 
Pizarro commenced his last expedition for the conquest of 
Peru. With an insignificant force of 110 foot-soldiers, 67 



and his men ? How far did they penetrate ? 94. When did Pizarro commence his last 



I53l] VOYAGE OF MAGELLAN. 65 

horsemen, and two pieces of artillery, he overthrew the em- 
pire of the Incas, extending 2,000 miles in length, inhabited 
by millions of wealthy and civilized natives, and defended 
by large and well-disciplined armies. It w^as only by con- 
summate skill and bravery, and too often by brutality and 
fraud, that he succeeded m this vast enterprise. The coun- 
try being subdued, Pizarro ruled it w^th royal power, and 
cruelly oppressed the natives. He founded Lima [le'-ma]^ 
and made it his capital, planted various colonies, and worked 
the mmes mth which the land abounded. A conspiracy was 
formed against him in 1541, to which he fell a victim. 

95. About the time that Cortez w^as engaged in conquer- 
ing Mexico, Magellan [ma-jer-kml^ a Portuguese navigator 
in the service of Spam, was trying to find the southern ex- 
tremity of America, and .to reach the East Indies by sailing 
around it. In 1520, he entered the strait since called by his 
name. Clearing it in safety, he saw the great ocean spread 
out before him. With tears of joy, he returned thanks to 
Heaven for having crowned his labors with success. He 
pursued his Avay westw^ard as far as the Philippine [fe-lip'- 
pin\ Islands, and called the ocean the Pacific^ on account of 
its tranquillity during his voyage. The king of Ze-bu', one 
of the Philij^pines, promised to embrace Christianity with 
his subjects, on condition that the SjDaniards w^ould aid him 
against the inhabitants of a neighboring island. Magellan 
accepted the offer, but was killed in the engagement that 
followed. The expedition was carried on under another 
commander. One of the ships finally reached home by w^ay 
of the Cape of Good Hope, after an absence of a little over 
three years. This was the first vessel that ever sailed round 
the globe. 

expedilion ? With what force ? How was it that he succeeded in his enterprise ? 
Having subdued the country, how did Pizarro rule? What became of him at last? 
95. What great navigator flourished at this time ? What achievement did he perform ? 
Where did he then go ? What ocean did he name ? What was his fate ? After Ma- 
gellan's death, what became of the expedition ? 



66 



ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 



[1573 



CHAPTER IV. 



ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 

96. During the reigns of Edward YI. and Mary, no at- 
tempts were made by England to explore or colonize Amer- 
ica ; but with the accession of Elizabeth the spirit of adven- 
ture revived. Sir Francis Drake made several voyages to 
the new world, during which he suffered much from the 
Spaniards ; but in 1572 he avenged his injuries, by landing 
on the Isthmus of Panama and capturing a large amount of 
treasure that was about to be shipped for Spain. On this 
exj)edition, one of the native guides showed Drake " a good- 
lie and great high tree", from the top of which the Pacific 
Ocean could be seen. Drake climbed it ; and gazing out on 
that broad expanse whose shores were thought to teem with 
riches, he solemnly " besought God to give him health and 
life once to sail an English ship in those seas". 

On his return to 
EnglandjDrake fit- 
ted out a squadron 
to explore the un- 
known ocean he 
had beheld. Pass- 
ing through the 
Strait of Magellan, 
he cruised on the 
Pacific, took a 
number of Span- 
ish vessels and a 
vast amount of 
treasure, and pen- 
etrated as far north 

as latitude 43, on the coast of Oregon. He spent the whiter 
of 1579-80 in the harbor of San Francisco, and gave the 

96. In whose reign did the spirit of adventure revive in England ? Who made sev- 
eral voyages to the new world ? From what people did he suffer ? How did he avenge 
his injuries? What incident took place on the Isthmus? On his return to England, 




DKAKES Sllir, — THK GOLUEN HIND. 



1580] EALEIGh's attempts AT COLONIZATION. 67 

name of New Albion to the surrounding coimtry. Fearing 
an attack from the Spaniards if he should attempt to re- 
cross the Atlantic, he returned home by way of the Caj)e of 
Good Hope, having circumnavigated the globe in two years 
and ten months. 

97. In 1578, Sir Humphrey Gilbert received a patent from 
Queen Elizabeth, by which he was created lord of any land 
he might settle with an EngHsh colony. He made two voy- 
ages, but accomplished little more than t£e erection of a pil- 
lar bearing the arms of England. On his last return voyage 
in a very small vessel, he was overtaken by a violent storm. 
The lights of his ship suddenly disappeared in the night, 
and he was never seen again. 

98. Sii' Walter Raleigh \i'aio'-le\ not discouraged by the 
fate of Gilbert, who was his brother-in-law, next carried on 
the work of discovery under an ample charter from Ehzabeth. 
Two of his vessels under Am'-i-das and Bar''-low reached the 
coast of Carolina in 1584. The new land seemed to the ad- 
venturers a dehghtful paradise. Luxuriant vines twined 
round the " sweete smelling timber trees" ; grapes hung in 
abundance from the branches ; and shady bowers echoed on 
all sides the music of beautiful wild birds. The natives 
seemed to be gentle and confi^g, and to live " after the 
manner of the golden age". The voyagers were hospitably 
entertained by an Indian queen on Roanoke Island; but, 
without waiting to see much of the country, they returned 
home, accompanied by two of the natives. The virgin queen 
of England was so pleased with their description of this en- 
chanting region that she named it Virgmia in honor of herself. 

99. Thus encouraged, Raleigh, in 1585, sent out a fleet 
under Sir Richard Grenville, for the purpose of making a 
permanent settlement. Grenville was brave, but hasty, and. 



what did Drake do? Give an account of bis cruise on the Pacific. 9T. In 157S, who 
received a patent from the queen ? Give an account of Gilbert's voyages. 98. Who 
next carried on the worli of discovery? By whom were two of his vessels command- 
ed ? What part of the coast did they reach ? How did the new land appear to the 
adventurers ? By whom were the voyagers entertained ? Who accompanied them on 
their return voyage? What name was given to the region, and why? 99. What was 
Raleigh thus encouraged to attempt? What was Grenville's character? What im- 



68 ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. [l585 

while exploring the coast, he burned a village of the Indians 
in revenge for their ha^dng stolen a silver cup from his party. 
Having landed the colonists on the Island of Roanoke, Gren- 
ville returned to England, leaving Ralph Lane m command 
as governor. The Indians, meanwhile, had not forgotten 
the wanton destruction of their property ; and with glowing 
stories respecting the interior of the country they Im-ed the 
English on a disastrous expedition up the Roanoke. It was 
with great difficulty that the adventurers made their way 
back to the coast, sassafras tea and dog-flesh being all that 
saved them from starvation during part of the journey. 

Soon after this, Sir Francis Drake touched at Roanoke, 
and allowed the colonists, who longed once more for their 
native land, to return in his vessel. They had learned from 
the Indians the use of tobacco and the potato, and introduced 
both into England. The Indians were in the habit of smoking 
tobacco, but the practices of chewing and snuffing it origina- 
ted among civilized Europeans. 

A few days after they had sailed, Grenville arrived with 
reinforcements and' supplies. He left fifteen men to keep 
possession of the country for England, but the follo^^dng year 
their bones alone could be found. 

100. In 1587, Raleigh sent out another party, who arrived 
at Roanoke and commenced building " the City of Raleigh", 
for Avhich they had received a charter. White, the governor 
of the httle settlement, soon returned to England for further 
suppHes, leaving on the island 89 men, 17 women, and 2 chil- 
dren, one of whom, Virginia Dare, was the first child born 
of English parents in America. He found his countrymen in 
a state of great excitement on account of a threatened inva- 
sion by the Spanish; and no relief could be sent to the mfant 
colony till 1590. In that year, White returned to seek his 
family and settlement, but found only a heap of ruins. What 

prudent act did he commit ? What took place soon after? How did the Indians re- 
venge their Injuries? Who reached Roanoke soon after? What did he allow the 
colonists to do? What had they learned from the Indians? A few days after, who 
arrived? What became of the men he left? 100. In 1587, what city was commenced 
in the new world ? How many did White leave in the colony ? What prevented White 
from immediately returning ? What became of the colonists? To whom did Raleigh 



1590] JAMES first's GRANT. 69 

became of the colonists was never ascertained, but it is sup- 
posed that they were killed by the Indians. 

Raleigh had i,pent nearly $200,000 in these attempts to settle 
Virginia; and, having exhausted his means, he made over 
his charter to a company of merchants. He was afterwards 
unjustly condemned on a charge of plotting against James I., 
and after a long imprisonment, which he employed in writing 
a history of the world, he was at length beheaded, under a 
sentence which had for years been forgotten. Thus perished 
one of the wisest men and most skilful navigators of the age. 

101. The attempts made up to this time to colonize Amer- 
ica had been signally unsuccessful. Adventurers, however, 
were not discouraged. In 1602, Bartholomew Gos^-nold 
crossed the Atlantic by a new and direct route in seven 
weeks, and reached the coast of Massachusetts. He discov- 
ered Cape Cod, and gave it that name from the fish taken 
there. The next year, Pring explored part of the coast of 
Maine, and in 1605 Weymouth \im'-nmtJi\ discovered the 
Pe-nob'-scot River, 

102. Gosnold's representations induced Wingfield, a mer- 
chant, Robert Hunt, a clergyman, and John Smith, an ad- 
venturer of genius and distinction, to attempt a permanent 
settlement in Virginia ; and, to encourage the movement, 
James I., in 1606, granted an extensive tract, 12 degrees in 
width and reaching from Halifax to Cape Fear, to two asso- 
ciations known as the Plymouth Company and the London 
Company. The territory of the former lay between parallels 
45 and 41 ; that of the latter, between 38 and 34 : the inter- 
mediate country was to be open to both. The same year 
the London Company sent out a colony of 105 persons, in- 
cluding 48 "gentlemen" and four carpenters, under command 
of Capt. Newport. A storm carried them past the ruins of 
Raleigh's settlement into Chesapeake Bay, where they found 
a noble river which they named from King James. 

surrender his charter, and why ? What was his subsequent history? 101. What is said 
of the attempts to colonize America up to 1602? What discovery M-as made in this 
yrar, and by whom ? What coast and river were explored soon after? 102. Whom 
did Gosnold induce to attempt a permanent settlement in Virginia? How did James I. 
encourage the movement ? In 1606, whom did the London Company send out ? Where 



70 



ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. [l607 




THE VIRGINIA SETTLEMENTS. 



In May, 1607, 
the new-comers 
selected a penin- 
sula 50 miles from 
the mouth of the 
river, and there 
laid the founda- 
tion of their con- 
templated city, — 
giving it the name 
of "Jamestown." 
While exploring 
the country, New- 
port and Smith visited the native chief Powhatan, at his 
capital, on the site now occupied by Richmond. This king 
of thirty tribes resided in a village of twelve wigwams, and 
kept a guard of Indians about his person. He was now 
about sixty years old, a tall, grave, and dignified warrior. 

103. Newport soon returned to England, but not before 
disease had begun its work on the settlers. The efiects of 
hot w^eather, bad lodging, and food spoiled on the long voy- 
age, were speedily felt. A fortnight after JSTewport's de- 
parture, hardly ten of the party were able to stand. The 
groans of the sick and helpless were heard on every side, 
and despair weighed do^vn the hearts of all. Before au- 
tumn, half the party, including Gosnold, had died. Wing- 
field, who had been elected president, was deposed for con- 
spiring with a few others to seize the pubhc stores and es- 
cape to the West Indies. His successor had neither nerve 
nor energy. At this juncture the management of the colony 
w^as by common consent mtrusted to Capt. John Smith. 
The j)revious career of this remarkable man had been event- 
were they carried? Where did they fix their settlement? What name did they give 
to it ? [See Map. On which hank of the James Eiver was Jamestown ? In what direc- 
tion from Richmond ? Name the tliree rivers that iiow into Chesapealie Bay. What 
Indian tribe lived east of Chesapeake Bay?] Whom did Newport and Smith visit? 
Give an account of this warrior and his village. 103. What befell the colony after New- 
port's departure ? Before autumn, how many had died? What plan was formed by 
Wingfield ? What was the character of his successor ? To whom was the management 
of the colony now intrusted? Give some account of Smith's previous career. How 



1607] CAPTURE OF CAPTAIN SMITH. 71 

ful. . He had fought for freedom in Holland ; he had travel- 
led through France, and visited Italy and Egypt ; he had 
battled against the Turks in Hungary, served as a slave in 
Constantinople and the Crimea, escaped through Russia, and 
found a new field for adventure in Morocco. He now rose 
among his dying comrades as the guardian genius of Vir- 
ginia. 

Smith's prudent measures soon brought about a better 
state of things. He prevented the timid from abandoning 
the colony, and awed the rebellious into obedience. Several 
voyages of discovery were also undertaken, during one of 
which his comj)anions, in consequence of leaving their boat 
contrary to orders, were captured by the Indians and put to 
death. Smith himself, after killing thj-ee of his enemies, 
sunk in a marsh and was obUged to surrender. He saved 
himself from immediate death by awakenmg the curiosity of 
the savages, showing them his pocket compass, and telling 
them the wonders of astronomy. Wishing to propitiate the 
Indians with presents, he wrote to his countrymen at James- 
town to deposit certain articles in a place in the forest which 
he mentioned, and then told his captors when and where 
they would be found. The colonists compHed with his di- 
rections ; and, when the Indians found every thing as Smith 
had predicted, they reverenced him as a superior being. He 
was led in triumj)h through various villages of wondering 
natives, and thus became acquainted with then* character 
and customs. At one place where they stopped, the simple 
inhabitants brought him the gunpowder they had taken 
from the captured party, and told him that they intended to 
plant it iu order to discover "the nature of the seede". 

At last they arrived at the residence of Powhatan, to 
whom the fate of the captive was referred. The Indian 
king condemned Smith to death, and the brave adventurer 
bowed his head on a large stone to receive the fatal blow. 



(lid he manage affairs? What happened during one of his voyages? How did Smitli 
save himself from immediate death ? How did he astonish the Indians? How did he 
become acquainted with their customs? What anecdote is told of the Indians? 
Where did they at last arrive ? What sentence was pronounced on Smith ? How was 



72 ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. [l608 

He was rescued in an unexpected manner. Po-ca-hon^-tas, 
Powhatan's daughter and the favorite of the whole tribe, 
had become warmly attached to the kind and friendly 
prisoner, who had amused his leisure hours by making toys 
for the beautilul child and setting the wonders of nature be- 
fore her inquiring mind. Though only twelve years old, 
Pocahontas was distinguished for ready wit and generosity 
of spu'it. As the savage executioner lifted his war-club, she 
threw herself between it and the prisoner, placed her head 
upon his, and, entreating her father to spare the life of her 
friend, declared that she would save him or perish. Pow- 
hatan's heart relented ; and Smith was not only spared, but 
allowed to return to Jamestown with assurances of friend- 
ship on the part of the Indians. From this time Pocahon- 
tas was the devoted friend of the colonists. She often visit- 
ed them and reheved their distress with presents of corn. 

104. On his return from captivity. Smith fomid the colony 
reduced to forty men, the strongest of whom were preparing 
to desert their companions and embark in a career of piracy. 
This desperate act was prevented by the return of the com- 
mander ; and soon after Newport arrived with 120 immi- 
grants. Some of these were goldsmiths ; who, finding what 
they took for an ore of gold, quickly enkindled among the 
colonists an insane passion for that precious metal. New- 
port returned to England with a cargo of the new-found 
treasure, which proved to be but gHttering sand. 

Three months of the year 1608 were spent by Smith in 
exploring Chesapeake Bay and the Susquehanna. Here he 
first heard of the Mo'-hawks, who " dwelt upon a great wa- 
ter, had many boats and many men, and made war on all 
the world". He discovered the harbor of Baltimore, passed 
up the Potomac above Mount Yernon, met the natives, 
whether friendly or hostile, in a way that commanded their 



he saved? For what was Pocahontas distinguished? How did she afterwards treat 
the colonists ? 104 On his return, in what state did Smith find the colony? What 
were some preparing to do? What prevented this desperate act? Who soon after 
arrived ? What delusion distracted the colonists for a time ? How did Smith spend 
part of the year 1608? How many miles did he go, and what did he discover and ac- 



1608] smith's administration. 73 

respect, and made an accurate map of the whole region. 
Three thousand miles were thus traversed in an open boat. 

Smith's superiority as a leader was now so evident that he 
was elected president of the council ; and the colony was 
soon increased by the arrival of Newport with 10 immi- 
grants. The new comers, however, were not accustomed to 
labor or hardship, and Smith wrote home, " When you send 
again, I entreat you rather send but thirty carj^enters, hus- 
bandmen, gardeners, fishermen, blacksmiths, masons, and 
diggers up of trees' roots, well provided, than a thousand of 
such as we have." 

105. In 1609, a new charter was granted to the company, 
which extended the hmits of the colony and endowed the 
council and governor with fuller powers than they had be- 
fore enjoyed. Lord Del'-a-ware was appointed governor, 
and nine vessels containing supplies and 500 men were sent 
out under Gates, N'ew]:)ort, and Somers [simi'-erz\ who were 
to manage affairs till Delaware should arrive. A \aolent 
storm off" the Ber-mu'-das stranded the vessel that bore the 
three leaders ; but the rest of the fleet for the most part 
reached Jamestown in safety. It was seven months before 
Gates and his shipwrecked companions joined their country- 
men ; and in the mean time it required all Smith's genius 
to suppress dissensions and prevent the dissolution of the 
colony. Many of those who had recently arrived were loose 
in their habits and averse to toil ; they refused to comply 
with Smith's regulations and denied his authority. The In- 
dians, too, began to be jealous of the growing numbers of 
the English, and formed a plot for surprising and murdering 
them. This was defeated by Pocahontas ; who, at the risk 
of her own life, came through the woods at midnight, and 
with tears warned the colonists to be on their guard. 

Despite these trying circumstances. Smith was not dis- 

complish during the voyage ? What honor was next conferred on Smith? How was 
the colony soon after increased ? What was the character of the newcomers? What 
did Smith write home about them ? 105. In 1609, what change was made in the com- 
pany's charter? Who was appointed governor? How many vessels and men were sent 
out ? Under whom ? What happened to the fleet and the leaders ? What difficulties 
beset Smith meanwhile? What plot was formed by the Indians? How was it defeat- 

4 



74 ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENfS. [l609 

couraged ; and it is probable that he Avoiild have triumphed 
over every difficulty had he not been wounded by an acci- 
dental explosion of powder, which rendered his return to 
England necessary. Though he was several times after this 
in New England, Capt. Smith never revisited Jamestown ; 
and, notwithstanding his services, he received no reward 
from the home government. He died in 1631, leaving a 
name as honorable as any that the history of his age pre- 
sents. 

106. With Smith's departure began a series of disasters 
for the colonists. They were now 490 in number ; and, too 
indolent to raise their own supphes, they made extravagant 
demands of the Indians, while their overbearing conduct 
added insult to injury. Open quarrels arose. Small parties 
of whites were cut off, and a plan was laid by the Indians 
for a general massacre. Famine ensued. Thirty of the set- 
tlers seized a ship and sailed away as pirates ; and, in six 
months from Smith's departure, the colony was reduced to a 
feeble remnant of 60, and these were on the point of perish- 
ing. This 23eriod of suffering was long remembered as " the 
starving time". 

On the arrival of Gates from Bermuda, so discouraging 
was the state of affairs that it was resolved to abandon the 
settlement. They had nearly reached the mouth of the 
river, when Lord Delaware's boat came in sight with abun- 
dant reinforcements and supplies. The sufferers were per- 
suaded to return, and prosperity once more smiled on the 
little colony. Labor was required of all, and new forts were 
erected as a defence against the Indians. But hardly were 
the good effects of Lord Delaware's wise and energetic 
measures beginning to be felt, when ill health obliged him 
to return to England. 

107. Sir Thomas Dale succeeded as governor, and further 

ed ? What accident befell Smith ? Wliat became of him ? What is said of his charac- 
ter? 106. AVitb Smith's departure what commenced? How many were left in the 
colony ? How did they conduct themselves towards the Indians ? What was the con- 
sequence ? Six months after Smith's departure, what was the state of the colony? On 
the arrival of Gates, what resolution was formed ? What prevented them from carry- 
ing it out? Describe Lord Delaware's administration. What put an end to it? 



i6ii] Pocahontas's visit to England. 75 

arrivals added much to the size and strength of the colony. 
Several new settlements were made higher up the river. In 
1611, cattle and hogs were mtroduced from Europe. 

108. In 1613, Pocahontas, the ever true and affectionate 
friend of the Enghsh, was purchased by Capt. Argall, from 
a tribe that she was visiting, for a copper kettle. Her father 
refused to ransom her on the terms proposed, and prepared 
for war. This was averted by John Rolfe [rolf]^ an Eng- 
lish planter, who offered to marry the gentle Indian girl, and 
instruct her in the doctrines of Christianity. The proposal 
was gladly accepted by Powhatan, who was ever afterwards 
a firm friend and ally of the English. Pocahontas, having 
renounced the religion of her fathers, was baptized as a Chris- 
tian believer and married to Rolfe. Three years afterwards 
he took her to England. In London, she was an object of 
general interest. An apartment was allotted her in the pal- 
ace, where she was visited by crowds. Among others came 
her old friend. Captain Smith. She had heard that he was 
dead ; and, on seeing so unexpectedly a man boimd to her 
'heart by tender recollections, she was overcome with emo- 
tion, and buried her face in her hands to conceal her tears. 
When about to return to America with her husband and in- 
fant son, she suddenly died, at the age of 22. This son, 
Thomas, was educated by his uncle, and became a man of 
wealth and distinction. From him some of the leading fam- 
ilies of Virginia derive their descent. 

109. An attempt was made by the colonists in 1614 to 
obtain aid from Parliament, but without success ; and Vir- 
ginia had to rely on the exportation of tobacco as a source 
of revenue : even the streets of Jamestown were planted 
with it. Tobacco thus became the staple ; and, as coin was 
scarce, it even passed for money. 

In 161 9, after several years of mismanagement and tyran- 
ny, George Yeardley [yu7'd^-le] became governor of Vii'ginia. 

107. Who succeeded as governor ? What took place during his administration? 108. 
In 1613, what happened to Pocahontas? What seemed likely to be the result? How 
was war averted ? Give an account of Pocahontas's visit to England, and meeting with 
Smith. At what age did she die ? What became of her son ? 109. In 1614, what un- 
successful attempt was made by the colonists? On what were they obliged to rely ? 



76 DUTCH DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS. [l619 

Within a few months after his appointment, a colonial as- 
sembly was established. It was known as " the House of 
Bm-gesses"", and convened at Jamestown. This was the first 
representative body m America. It consisted of two mem- 
bers from each of the eleven boroughs mto which the colony 
was divided. 

110. Hitherto there had been but few women in the col- 
ony ; but Sir Edward San'-dys, convinced that pleasant homes 
were necessary to give permanence to the settlement, in- 
duced ninety young women to cross the ocean at the expense 
of the company ; and they were soon disposed of as wives 
to the settlers, at the rate of 100 pounds of tobacco (worth 
about 175) each. The next year, sixty more were sent over, 
and the price of a wife rose to 150 jwunds of tobacco. From 
1619 to 1621, 3,500 persons found their way to Virginia. A 
written constitution was obtained, and trial by jury and a 
representative government became acknowledged rights. 

Up to this time, the company had expended about |400,000 
on the colony ; and the result was thus far unsatisfactory, 
though there was a good promise for the future. 



CHAPTER V. 

DUTCH DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS. 

111. Yerrazzani, during his voyage in 1524 in search of 
a northwest passage to India, passed along the coast of New 
Jersey, and came near discovering the harbor of New York. 
He reached the adjacent islands, but was driven to sea by 
adverse winds ; and the discovery of the Hudson River and 



For what was tobacco used ? Who became governor in 1619 ? This same year, what 
was established ? What was it called? Where did it convene? What makes this body 
worthy of particular mention? Of what did it consist? 110. How did Sandys con- 
tribute to the prosperity of the settlement? Give an account of the importation of 
wives. How many persons came to Virginia between 1619 and 1621 ? What did the 
colonists now obtain? How much had the company expended in colonizing Virginia? 
What is said of the result thus far ? 
111. Who, in 1524, came near discovering the Hudson? What prevented his doing 



1608] HUDSON AND HIS " HALF-MOON." 77 

the noble harbor at its mouth was reserved for the Dutch, 
eighty-five years later. 

This enterprising people, having thrown off the Spanish 
yoke, established a commercial republic. Though their coun- 
try contamed not a single forest, they built more ships than 
all the rest of Europe ; and, while yet battling for liberty, 
they traded with the most distant jDarts of the world. An 
association for traffic and colonization was formed in 1608, 
under the name of the East India Company ; and Henry 
Hudson, who had previously made two voyages to the new 
world in behalf of English merchants, was taken into their 
employ. He embarked in 1609 ; and, after following the 
coast from Mame to Virginia, and discovering Delaware Bay, 
he turned to the north, and entered the passage between 
Long Island and Sandy Hook, the northeastern extremity of 
New Jersey. On the 11th of September, he sailed through 
the Narrows, and found himself in one of the finest harbors 
in the world. He entered the river since called by his name, 
and ascended it a few miles beyond where Albany now 
stands. 




THE HALF-MOON ASCENDING THE HUDSON. 

(By the courtesy of George H. Moore, Esq., of the N. Y. Historical Society.) 

so? For whom was this honor reserved? What was the condition of the Dutch at 
this time ? In 1608, what was formed ? Whom did they employ ? When did he sail ? 



78 DUTCH DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS. [l609 

The natives, as elsewhere, were struck with amazement at 
sight of the new comers. When they beheld Hudson's ship, 
the Half-moon, approaching fi'om the sea, they knew not 
what to make of the monster. As it came nearer, it seemed 
to be a floating house ; and at last they found it to be an im- 
mense canoe filled with beings of a diflerent race, whose com- 
mander, dressed in scarlet, they took to be the Mauitou 
himself. Runners were sent with the news to all the sur- 
rounding tribes. 

The Indians awaited the approach of the strangers on the 
southern point of the island now occupied by Xew York city, 
and received them Tsith respect and fiiendship. Hudson 
landed with his crew, and ordered a calabash of rum to be 
brought. After di'inking himself, he offered it to the chiefs. 
The first smelled the Hquor, but passed it on ; so did the 
next ; and it went untasted till it reached the last of the 
party. TJnwilling to offend the Manitou, he drank it off; 
His wondering companions beheld him reel and fall to the 
earth ; but when they saw that he recovered without injury 
and heard him describe his sensations, they all desired to 
feel the same excitement. Drinking of the "fire-water", 
they also became intoxicated ; and in this state Hudson left 
them. The spot was afterwards called by the Indians Man- 
hattan, or " the place of drunkenness". 

At this time, Manhattan Island and the valley of the Hud- 
son were covered with giant trees draped with luxuriant 
grape-vines. Reptiles crawled amid the decayed boughs 
and foliage of former centuries. The spotted deer laved his 
sides in the noble river, or hid in dense thickets which the 
sun-light never penetrated. The fiercer inhabitants of the 
forest made their lairs in unexplored recesses, undisturbed 
save by the proud Algonquin, sole lord of these vast solitudes. 

112. Hudson returned to England. On a subsequent voy- 
age he discovered the bav that bears his name. In vain he 
exjjlored that inland sea for a northwest passage to India, in 

Give an account of his voyage. What was his vessel called ? What did the natives 
think of it ? Describe Hudson's meeting with the Indians. What name did they give 
to the island, and what does it signify ? Describe the valley of the Hudson at this time. 



1610] MANHA-^TTAN ISLAND SETTLED. 79 

the existence of which he firmly believed. Continuing the 
search too long, he found himself compelled to winter in this 
frozen region. Their severe hardships led his men to revolt ; 
and Hudson, with his son and eight others, was put in a 
small boat and left to perish on the vast body of water which 
his enterprise had discovered. 

113. Inl610 and the following years, a number of trading 
vessels were sent out by Dutch merchants. Valuable furs 
were obtained from the Indians, and the traffic proved highly 
jDrofitable. Some huts were soon erected on the lower part 
of Manhattan Island, and in 1614 a fort was built for their 
defence. The settlement was called New Amsterdam, and 
the name of New Netherlands was given to the surrounding 
region. In the year last mentioned, Adrian Block sailed up 
the East River into the Soimd and circumnavigated Long 
Island. This same discoverer, having lost his ship by fire at 
New Amsterdam, built the first vessel ever constructed at 
that port. A settlement was commenced at Albany, then 
called Fort Orange, in 1615. 

114. In 1616, a Dutch navigator named Schout'-en first 
rounded the southern extremity of the Western Continent, 
which he named from his native place Cape Horn. 



CHAPTER VI. 

LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS. 

115. The Plymouth company, to which King James 
granted the tract between the 41st and the 45th parallel of 
north latitude, made several attempts to colonize their terri- 
tory, but without success. One party spent a winter at the 

112. What discovery did Hudson afterwards make ? What was he trying to find ? What 
became of this great discoverer? 113. In 1610, what was done? What was the chief 
article obtained ? What were erected on Manhattan Island ? What name was given to 
the settlement? What, to the surrounding region? What is said of Adrian Block ? 
When was Albany founded? 114. When and by whom was Cape Horn first rounded? 
115. What part of the new world had been granted to the Plymouth company ? What 
is said of their attempts to colonize it ? Where did one party spend the winter ? What 



80 LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS. [l6l4: 

mouth of the Kennebec, but suffered so much from cold that 
they were glad to return in the spring. In 1614, Capt. John 
Smith, the illustrious founder of Jamestown, explored the 
coast from the Penobscot to Cape Cod, made a map of the 
country, and gave it the name of New England. 

116. In 1620, James I. granted an immense tract, extend- 
ing from 40 to 48 degrees north latitude and from ocean to 
ocean, to a commercial company consisting of forty persons. 
So great were the privileges thus granted that the English 
parliament questioned the king's right to give them ; and, 
while they were warmly debating the subject and the mo- 
nopolists were quarrelling among themselves, the first per- 
manent settlement in New England was made, without any 
charter, by the Puritans or " Pilgrim Fathers". 

117. The Puritans were first knoT\Ti in England as a sep- 
arate sect about 1550. They were distinguished by a stern 
abhorrence of gayety and amusements, a profound love of 
civil and religious liberty, and firmness in adhering to what 
they conceived to be the teachings of Scripture. Persecution 
drove them from their country; and, among those who sought 
in Holland the right of worshipping God according to their 
own conscience, was a congregation under John Robinson. 

In 1617, part of Robinson's flock, after living eight years 
in Ley den [li'-den'], formed the design of emigrating to Amer- 
ica. Two vessels, the Mayflower and Speedwell, were in 1620 
got ready for the voyage ; but the commander of the latter, 
declaring it unfit for crossing the ocean, returned to port, 
leaving the Mayflower to go on alone with 100 emigrants. 
They intended to settle near the Hudson River, but were 
carried to the coast of Massachusetts after a long voyage of 
sixty-three days. A party was sent out in a small boat to 
find a place suitable for landing. After encountermg vari- 



became of them ? In 1614, what was done by Captain Smith ? 116. What grant was 
made by James I. in 1620 ? What question arose concerning it? Meanwhile who had 
settled in New England? 117. When were the Puritans first known in England? By 
what were they distinguished ? What had driven many of them from their country ? 
What congregation is mentioned in particular? What design did they form? Name 
the vessels that were prepared for the voyage. What became of the Speedwell ? Where 
did they intend to settle ? Where were they carried ? What befell the party sent out 



leao] SICKNESS and suffering. 81 

ous dangers, losing their rudder and sail, and suffering from 
the extreme cold, which froze the spray upon their persons, 
they at last reached a harbor on the eastern coast of Massa- 
chusetts, which they called Plymouth [2^Um'-uth\ after the 
port from which they had sailed [see Map, p. 84]. On the 
11th of December (the 22d according to the New Style, — 
see note, p. 155), 1620, the whole party landed on Pl^qnouth 
rock, and near the shore was commenced the first to^\Ti in 
New England. 

118. Days of suffering came; but the Pilgrims met every 
hardship mth a firm trust in God, thmkmg the civil and 
religious liberty they enjoyed a sufficient recompense. Du- 
ring the month of December, six of the colonists died from 
exposure, and many others fell sick. John Carver, who had 
been chosen governor before they landed, lost his son ; short- 
ly afterwards he himself slept in the same grave, and his 
widow was soon laid beside her husband and child. At one 
time, every person in the settlement except seven, was on a 
sick-bed. 

Towards the end of March, when hope began to revive 
with the milder weather, Sam'-o-set, a Wampanoag Indian, 
entered the village of huts, exclaiming, " Welcome, English- 
men !" He had learned a little English from previous voy- 
agers, and told the colonists that they might occupy the land 
where they had settled, as a pestilence had recently destroyed 
its former inhabitants. In a few days Mas-sas'-so-it, a Wam- 
panoag chief, visited Plymouth. By the aid of an Indian 
who had been to England, and was able to act as interpreter, 
a treaty was made with the Wampanoags, who promised not 
to molest the whites, and acknowledged the supremacy of 
King James. 

119. The ISTar-ra-gan'-setts, a neighboring tribe, were ene- 
mies of the Wampanoags, and did not like the arrival of the 

to find a landing-place? Where and when did they finally land? [See Map, p. 84. 
What is the latitude of Plymouth ? What direction is it from Cape Cod ?] 118. What 
ensued ? How did the Pilgrims meet their hardships ? What took place in December? 
What befell Governor Carver's family ? When did hope begin to revive ? Who visited 
them at this time ? What did he tell them ? Who soon after visited Plymouth ? What 
did the Wampanoags promise ? 119. What is said of the Narragansetts ? How did their 

4* 



82 LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS. [l633 

Puritans. In 1622, their chief Ca-non^-i-cus, to show his hos- 
tihty, sent Governor Bradford (who had succeeded Carver) 
a bundle of arrows wrapped in the skin of a rattlesnake. 
The brave governor filled the skin with powder and shot and 
sent it back. Finding that the colonists were not fi-ightened, 
the chief thought it best to let them alone ; but that they 
might be prepared for the worst, they surrounded theii' set- 
tlement with a palisade of stakes a mile in circuit. 

120. During the year 1622, thirty-five trading vessels vis- 
ited New England, and some provisions were bought by the 
colonists at exorbitant prices, for as yet they had not raised 
sufficient for their support. Their agricultural implements 
were imperfect ; they had no domestic cattle, and were so 
destitute of boats and tackle that the fish which swarmed in 
the harbor availed them little. The following year, they 
were so far reduced that at one time they had but a pint of 
corn to divide, and at another not a single kernel. Hitherto 
they had cultivated the land in common ; but it was thought 
that the inducement to labor would be greater if the land 
were divided and each planted for himself. Accordingly in 
1624 every colonist received a small tract. After this, com 
was abundant. Other settlers of the same religious views 
came over, and in 1630 the population was about 300. 

121. The afikirs of the colony were managed by a gov- 
ernor and council of five, afterwards increased to seven. At 
first the whole body of citizens assembled in toTvm meeting, 
and decided aU questions that arose. In 1639, their num- 
ber had so increased that a representative system of govern- 
ment was introduced. The people made their own laws, and 
punished criminals as they chose, even with death, indepen- 
dently of the home government. The Plymouth settlers 
were never incorporated by royal charter, and it Avas not till 

chief show his hostility ? How did Governor Bradford reply ? With what did the Pu- 
ritans surround their settlement? [See Map, page 84.— What water separated the Nar- 
ragansetts from the Wampanoags?] 120. In 1622, whence did the settlers obtain pro- 
visions ? Why did they not raise their own food ? What is said of the scarcity of 
provisions the next year ? In 1624, what change was made ? What was the population 
in 1630? 121. By whom were the affairs of the colony managed? At first, by whom 
were all questions decided? What change was made in 1639 ? What powers had the 



1633] FIRST ENGAGEMENT WITH THE INDIANS. 83 

ten years after their arrival that a title to the land they oc- 
cupied was granted them by the company in England. 

122. Massassoit and his tribe remained faithful to the colo- 
nists, and were of service to them m various ways. The 
chief never forgot that not long after the arrival of the Pil- 
grims he was cured of a severe illness by one of their num- 
ber, named Winslow, who turned the medicine-men out of 
his ^vigwam in the midst of their noisy ceremonies, and re- 
stored their patient with a few simple remedies. Massassoit, 
in his gratitude, disclosed to Winslow a plot that had been 
formed by some neighboring Indians for cutting off a party 
of settlers at Weymouth [see Map, p. 84]. Miles Standish, 
a very brave man though small in stature, was the military 
leader of the Puritans ; and he was immediately sent with 
eight men to the aid of the Weymouth settlers. The In- 
dians were put to flight with the loss of three men, including 
their chief, whose head Standish brought back in triumph 
on a pole to Plymouth. When the news reached Robinson, 
who, though still in Leyden, felt a deep interest in his for- 
mer people, he wrote back to them, " Oh, how happy a thing- 
had it been, had you converted some before you killed any !" 



CHAPTER VII. 

MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY. SETTLEMENT OF EHODE ISLAND. 

123. The Puritans of England, still subjected to various 
restrictions, continued to seek an asylum in the new world. 
A grant ha\^ng been obtained from the Plymouth Company 
of a tract bordering on Massachusetts Bay, John En'-di-cott 
was sent out in 1628 with 100 followers. After explormg 

people? When did the settlers get a title to their land? 122. How did Massassoit feel 
towards the English ? What claims had they on his gratitude ? How did he repay them ? 
[See Map, p. S4.— In what direction was Weymouth from Plymouth ?] Who was sent 
to aid the Weymouth settlers ? What was the result of the battle ? When the news 
reached Leyden, what did Eobinson say ? 
123. What led the Puritans of England still to seek the new world ? In 1628, what 



84 



MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY. 



[l6a» 



the neighborhood, Endicott's party finally settled at a place, 
whose Indian name, Naum'-ke-ag, they changed to Sa'-lem. 
Two hundred more soon followed, some of whom joined the 
Salem colony, while others founded Charlestown. 

124. Wmter, as usual, brought suffering and disease. The 
following year, those who held the charter transferred it to 
the colonists themselves, and the change resulted happily. 
In July, 1630, about 1,500 
persons arrived. An in- 
dependent provincial gov- 
ernment was formed, Tvdth 
John Winthrop at its head. 
Dor^-ches-ter, Rox'-bury, 
Csimhndge [kame'-bridje], 
and Waterto^vn, were 
founded ; but the greater 
part settled on a penmsula 
jutting out into the bay, 
invited thither by the ex- 
cellence of its water and 
the fertility of the land. 
This peninsula they named 
Boston, after a city in Lin- 
colnshire [li7i'-kim-sheer], 
England, from which some 
of them had come. 

Shortness of provisions and the severity of the climate 
caused many deaths during the ensuing winter, and for a 
season a greater number left the colony than joined it. The 
following year, affau's assumed a more flourishmg aspect; 
and Boston was visited by various Indian chiefs, who prom- 
ised peace and fi-iendship. 

125. In 1631, the General Court passed a law that no man 




SETTLEMENTS IN EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 



took place? What places were founded bj Endicott's party? 124. What judicious 
movement was made the next year? In 1630, how many arrived? Who was elected 
governor ? What places were founded ? Where did the greater part settle ? [See Map. 
—How is Boston situated ? In what direction from it is Cambridge? Salem? What 
river flows into Massachusetts Bay just north of Boston ?] What was the state of affairs 
the next winter? What, in the following spring? By whom was Boston visited? 



163l] DIFFICULTY WITH ROGER WILLIAMS. 85 

should vote who was not a member of some church in the 
colony. This greatly reduced the number of voters, for only 
a fourth of the adult poj^ulation were church-members. The 
dissatisfaction of the people with this enactment led to earn- 
est discussion and the extension of popular rights. Winthrop 
was governor for four years, during which the colony became 
firmly established. A fort was built at Boston ; mills were 
introduced; a coast trade with Virginia and New Amster- 
dam sprung up ; and a ferry was estabhshed between Boston 
and Charlestown. 

126. Though the Puritans had left England to secure reli- 
gious liberty, they were unwilling to grant it to others, and 
required every one by law to attend their churches and con- 
form to their opinions. Roger Williams, a young j)reacher 
who had come over in 1631 and settled at Salem, was the 
first to teach that every man had a right to worship God as 
he saw fit, and that bigotry, whether in New England or old 
England, was contrary to reason and the Bible. The stern 
Puritan leaders did not rehsh such opposition to thek au- 
thority. Roger WiUiams was censured and pronounced un- 
sound in judgment ; and, on his election by the people ol 
Salem as their pastor, a tract of land was withheld from them 
by the Boston council by way of punishing their contumacy. 
A spu'ited remonstrance from Williams and his congregation 
followed ; in consequence of which the town of Salem was 
disfi-anchised by the next General Court. Frightened at 
these measures, the supporters of Williams at last submitted, 
and their minister was left to advocate his cause alone. To 
prevent further trouble, the Boston authorities ordered that 
he should be sent back to England. 

Before the sentence could be executed, Williams was be- 
yond the limits of the colony, determined to find in some 
other part of the new world that fi-eedom which was denied 



125. What law was passed by the General Court in 1631 ? To what did this enactment 
lead ? How long was Winthrop governor ? What was done during his administration ? 

126. What disposition did the Puritans manifest towards those of different religious 
opinions ? Towards whom was this feeling first exhibited ? What did Koger Williams 
teach ? Give the history of the successive difiiculties to which his dissemination of such 



86 SETTLEMENT OF RHODE ISLAND. [l636 

him there. For fourteen weeks he wandered in the wilder- 
ness, amid the snows of a severe winter, " not knowing what 
bread or bed did mean". At last he reached the wigwams 
of the Wampanoags, who received him kindly ; and in the 
summer he obtained from the Narragansetts a tract of land 
on the bay called by their name. Here, with five com- 
panions, he commenced a settlement, which he named Provi- 
dence in commemoration of the divine mercy. Thus origi- 
nated the first settlement in Rhode Island. 

Roger Williams was soon joined by friends from Salem 
and Boston, to whom he freely gave portions of his land. 
The settlement rapidly increased in strength and prosperity. 
Perfect freedom prevailed, and the will of the people was 
the supreme law. 

127. In 1635, 3,000 immigrants arrived at Boston, among 
whom was Henry Vane, a young man of distinction, who 
was soon elected governor. During his term of ofiice, the 
colony was again troubled by rehgious dissensions. Ann 
Hutchinson, who hesitated not to censure the Puritan clergy 
and to teach doctrines even more objectionable in their eyes 
than those of Roger WilHams, won over to her opinions a 
number of the settlers, among whom was Governor Vane 
himself. It was only after serious difficulties that peace was 
restored by Mrs. Hutchinson's banishment. Many of her 
followers left the colony with her and settled on Aquiday 
[ak'-we-da] (the isle of peace) in Narragansett Bay, [see 
Map, p. 84], which they bought from the Indians and called 
the Isle of Rhodes. Vane returned to England. To pre- 
vent similar troubles from recurring a law was passed in the 
colony forbidding any person to enter it without a permit 
from the magistrates. 



doctrines led. What sentence was pronounced upon him by the authorities ? How- 
did he avoid it ? For fourteen weeks what was he obliged to do ? By whom was ho 
received ? What was the origin of the first settlement in Ehode Island ? By Avhom 
was Williams joined? What was the supreme law of the colony? 127. In 163G, bow 
was the Massachusetts Bay colony augmented ? During Vane's term of office how 
and by whom was the colony troubled ? Who was numbered among Mrs. Hutchin- 
son's converts ? What became of Mrs. Hutchinson ? [See Map, p. 84, — What promon- 
tory is north of the Isle of Ehodes ?] What law was soon after passed ? In 1639, what 



1639] 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



87 




In 1639, Newport 
was founded on the 
southern part of the 
island, near an old 
stone tower. This cu- 
rious structure, twen- 
ty-four feet high, was 
evidently of great an- 
tiquity, but the In- 
dians could give no 
information respect- 
ing its origin. 

The same princi- 
ples that prevailed at 
Providence were car- 
ried out in the Rhode Island col- 
ony, though at first they were 
independent of each other. It 
was not tiU 1644 that they received a charter and were 
united under the name of the Rhode Island and Providence 
Plantations. 

128. In 1622, Sir Ferdinand Gorges [gor'-jes] and John 
Mason obtained a grant of land extending from the St. Law- 
rence to the Kennebec and Merrimac, and named the tract 
Laconia. Two fishing colonies were soon established at 
Portsmouth and Dover. In 1629, Exeter was founded, and 
the name of the colony was changed to Nevt Hampshire. 
Trading-posts were established at various points on the 
coast, but they were mostly unimportant. 

129. In 1641, the feeble settlements of New Hampshire 
asked to be received into the colony of Massachusetts Bay. 
Their request was granted, and the union continued till 1680, 
when they were separated by the king and again made an 
independent province under the name of New Hampshire. 



STONE TOWER AT NEWPORT. 



place was founded ? What object of interest is near it? What principles prevailed in 
the colony of Rhode Island ? When and under what name were the Providence and 
Rhode Island colonies united ? 128. Give the history of the first settlements in New 
Hampshire. 129. What was their subsequent history ? 



88 SETTLEMENT OF CONNECTICUT. [l614 

CHAPTER VIII. 

SETTLEMENT OF CONNECTICUT. PEQUOD WAR. 

130. The Connecticut, so called from its Indian name, 
which means long river ^ was discovered in 1614 by the 
Dutch. They established a trading-post near the place 
where Hartford now stands, and for a time enjoyed undis- 
puted possession of the countiy. At length, reports of the 
jfruitfulness and beauty of this inviting region reached Eng- 
land ; and in 1630 it was granted to the Earl of Warwick 
\y)or'-rik\^ who transferred it to Lord Say-and-Seal and Lord 
Brooke. In their honor the name of Saybrook was given to 
a fort erected at the mouth of the river in 1635. [See Map, 
p. 91.] 

131. Meanwhile, settlements had been made from both of 
the Massachusetts colonies. The Dutch had tried to prevent 
the first comers from sailing up the Connecticut, but mthout 
success. In the autumn of 1635, a company from Massa- 
chusetts Bay made the journey by land ; but when they ar- 
rived the river was fi'ozen, their cattle perished, and they 
were reduced to the greatest extremities for food. Another 
party started from Boston the following summer. Travers- 
ing the wilderness with the aid of the compass and driving 
their cattle before them, they finally reached the site of Hart- 
ford, and settled on lands bought from the Indians. 

132. Difiiculties mth the natives soon arose. The Pe- 
quods, a warlike tribe east of the Connecticut, regarded the 
whites with distrust ; and the latter, apprehensive of attack, 
only waited for an opportunity to inflict such vengeance 
on the savages as would forever prevent their aggressions. 

130. When and by whom was the Connecticut discovered ? What is the meaning of 
the name? Where did the Dutch settle? "Who soon heard of this fruitful region? 
To whom was it granted, and transferred ? Where and when was Saybrook built ? 
[See Map, p. 91.— On which side of the Connecticut is Saybrook? Near what other 
water is it? On which bank of the Connecticut is Hartford ? What Indians lived just 
east of the Connecticut ? What tribe lived on the banks of the Thames ?] 131. VThom 
did the Dutch soon find settling in the valley of the Connecticut ? What took place in 
1635? What, the following summer? 182. With whom did difficulties arise? In 



I 



1636] THE PEQUOD WAR. 89 

This opportunity soon occurred. The captain of a trading 
vessel, named Oldham, was mm-dered mthout provocation 
by the natives of Block Island. As soon as the news reached 
Boston, Endicott, with a suitable force, set out to avenge the 
injury. The Indians had abandoned the island, but he de- 
stroyed theii' wigwams and crops. Crossing to the main 
land, he demanded from the Pequods damages for various 
injuries sustained at their hands, and some of their children 
as hostages. These being refiised, he laid waste part of their 
country. The flame of revenge was thus kindled in the 
breasts of the Pequods. AU the wiles and cruelties of In- 
dian warfare were now experienced on the fi'ontier. Soli- 
tary houses were attacked ; stragglers were surprised and 
scalped ; men were shot do's\Ti while working in the fields ; 
women and children were murdered round the fireside. 
Messengers were sent by the Pequods to the neighboring 
tribes, urging them to unite in exterminating the Connecti- 
cut settlers. 

133. Roger Williams learned that proposals of this kind 
were being made to the Narragansetts ; and, in order to 
save some of those very men who had banished him from 
Massachusetts, he resolved to defeat the plans of the Pe- 
quods. Setting out alone in a fearful storm, he paddled 
many a weary mile to the ^N'arragansett village. The Pe- 
quod ambassadors were there, and Williams nearly lost his 
fife by interfering ; but he pleaded his cause boldly, and 
after four days' hesitation the Narragansetts refused to join 
the Pequod league. 

134. On the 1st of May, 1637, the authorities of Connec- 
ticut declared war against the Pequods ; and, in a few days, 
about 80 settlers, and 60 Mohegans under the friendly Uncas, 
started agamst the foe. Captain John Mason, who had 
served as a soldier in Flanders, commanded the expedition ; 

what did they originate? How did the settlers punish the Indians for the murder of 
Oldham ? What followed on the part of the Pequods ? What did they solicit the 
neighboring nations to do? 133. To what tribe in particular did the Pequods appeal ? 
Who heard of this? Tell what he did to prevent it, and the result. 134. In 1637, what 
was done by the authorities of Connecticut? How large a force was raised? Who 
commanded it? Where did they first sail, and for what purpose? How were they re- 



90 THE PEQUOD WAK. [l637 

and, exi3ecting aid from the Narragansetts, he sailed du'ect- 
ly for their villages. The Xarragansetts received him as a 
friend, but were discouraged from accompanpng him by the 
smallness of his force. "Your design is good," said the 
chief, "but your numbers are too weak to brave the Pe- 
quods, who have mighty chieftains and are skilful in battle." 

Though disappointed. Mason resolved to carry out the en- 
terprise alone. The 'Pequod confederacy consisted of 26 
tribes, numbering over 2,000 men. Their principal "VTillages 
were on what is now called the Thames [temz] River [see 
Map, p. 91.] When they saw the English sail past on their 
way to Narragansett Bay, they supposed that the attack was 
given up through fear, and uttered cries of defiance and ex- 
ultation that were plainly heard by their enemies. On the 
26th of May, just before sunrise, Mason's party, who had 
landed a Uttle east of their village, cautiously approached 
the huts of the sleeping savages. An Indian dog gave the 
alarm ; and the Pequods, though thus taken by surprise, de- 
fended themselves with great bravery. The battle was still 
doubtful, when Mason, cr}Tng " We must burn them !", 
threw a blazing brand among the mats with which one of 
the wigwams was covered, and thus decided the fortunes of 
the day. The English and their red alUes formed a circle 
round the burning huts, and slew their enemies without 
mercy as the fire drove them into sight. Six hundred Pe- 
quods, men, women, and children, perished in an hour, while 
but two of the EngUsh were lost. 

The next morning, a body of 300 Pequods arrived from 
another village ; and, though they fought with desperation 
on seeing the destruction of their homes and relatives, they 
too were defeated. The remnants of the tribe were driven 
from place to place, and butchered by their Indian enemies 
as well as by the EngHsh. At last 200 of the survivors sur- 
rendered in despair to the English. They were either sold 



ceived? How many tribes and. warriors composed the Pequod confederacy? Where 
were their principal villages? [See Map, p. 91. — Where is the Thames Eiver ? What 
place is near its mouth ?] What did they suppose when the English sailed past ? Give 
an account of the attack. How many Pequods and how many English were lost? 



i63r] 



NEW HAVEN FOUNDED. 



91 



into slavery or incorporated among the fiiendly tribes ; and 
the name of Pequod was no longer heard. 

135. After the first victory, the ISTarragansetts had joined 
the EngHsh ; but the latter afterwards made a poor retm-n 
to their chief Mi-an-to-no'-moh for his services. A war hav- 
ing broken out between the Narragansetts and the Mohe- 
gans, Miantonomoh, then an old man, was captured. " Let 
him be delivered," said the ungrateful men of Connecticut, 
" to his old enemy, Uncas." The cruel Mohegan took him 
to a solitary place, and there in the presence of two of the 
settlers tomahawked his victim, and cutting a piece of quiver- 
ing flesh from his shoul- 
der ate it, declaring it 
the most dehcious mor- 
sel that had ever passed 
his lips. 

136. In 1638, the col- 
ony of New Haven was 
founded by John Daven- 
port, Theodore Eaton, 
and their followers, on 
land bought from the In- 
dians. The rights of vo- 
ting and holding office 
were confined to church 
members, and the Bible 
was adopted as the only 
basis of law and rule of 
public action. 




jir.WMn. 



^^^^ i^M,AmM 



SETTLEMENTS IN OONNECTIOtTT. 



The next morning, what happened? What became of the remainder of the tribe? 
135. What course did the Narragansetts take after the first battle ? How did the Eng- 
lish repay their chief? Describe the death of Miantonomoh. 136. By whom was New 
Haven founded? [See Map.— Near what water is New Haven ? What two towns be- 
tween it and the Connecticut?] Whom alone did the colonists allow to vote and hold 
office ? What did they adopt as their only basis of law ? 



92 FOUNDING OF MARYLAND. [l609 

CHAPTER IX. 

FOUNDING OF MARYLAND AND DELAWARE. 

137. The territory now called Maryland was included in 
the charter granted to the London company in 1609. Wil- 
liam Clayborne, a surveyor, was sent out to make a map of 
the country, and was allowed a patent for trading with the 
Indians. 

In 1632, George Calvert, Lord Baltimore, obtained from 
King James a charter for a large tract on the Potomac, which 
had reverted to the crown. This enterprising man had ex- 
pended a large sum without success in an attempt to plant 
a colony on Newfoundland. He had then turned his atten- 
tion to Virgmia, but was there met with a religious test in 
the form of an oath, which, as a Roman Catholic, he could 
not take. 

138. As truly democratic in politics as he was liberal in 
his religious views, Lord Baltimore determined to provide 
an asylum where men of all creeds might enjoy Hberty in its 
perfection. He took care to have this guarantied in his 
charter. A majority of the freemen, or their representatives, 
were to make the laws. The colony was to be entirely free 
from English taxation, and from all interference on the pai-t 
of the king. Christianity was to be the basis of the laws, 
but all sects were to be treated alike. Lord Baltimore, agreed 
to pay the king a yearly rent of two Indian arrows and one- 
fifth of whatever gold and silver he should find, and named 
his new territory Maryland, in honor of Queen Henrietta 
Maria. 

139. Lord Baltimore did not live to plant a colony under 
this admirable charter ; but his son Cecil [sef-sil] Calvert 
succeeded to his rights, and sent out his brother Leonard 

137. To whom was the territory now called Maryland originally granted ? Who was 
sent out to make a map of it? In 1632, who obtained a charter for a tract on the Po- 
tomac? Where had Lord Baltimore previously tried to found colonies? 138. What 
was his character ? Mention some of the chief provisions of his charter? What rent 
was he to pay ? What did he name this tract, and from whom ? 139. What became of 



1634:] CLAYBORNE S REBELLION. 93 

with about 200 emigrants, mostly Roman Catholics and men 
of standing. They entered Chesapeake Bay early in 1634, 
sailed up the Potomac, and, having bought some land from 
the Indians, built the little village of St. Mary's. 

The infant colony flourished, as it deserved to do by the 
freedom of its institutions and the justice with which its 
founders treated the natives. Its sole enemy was Clayborne, 
who had established two independent trading-posts, and re- 
fused to acknowledge Lord Baltimore's authority. A colli- 
sion ensued, which resulted in the defeat of Clayborne, who 
fled to Virginia and was thence sent to England. Assem- 
blies were held, which enacted various wholesome laws in 
harmony wdth the liberal character of the charter. At first 
every freeman had the right to attend and vote ; but when 
this was found inconvenient, the Assembly was made to con- 
sist of representatives chosen by the people. 

Peace and prosperity reigned till 1642, when a short In- 
dian war occurred. Hardly had it terminated, when Clay- 
borne, who had found his way back to the new world, ex- 
cited a rebellion, and di'ove Gov. Calvert from the provmce. 
In 1646, Calvert returned with troops from Virginia, and 
suppressed the insurrection. A general pardon was pro- 
claimed, and order was restored. 

140. Leonard Calvert died in 1647. During the troubles 
which followed the execution of Charles I. in England, sev- 
eral governors were successively appointed ; and for a time 
the power was divided between two opposing sets of author- 
ities, Roman Catholic and Protestant. In 1660, Philip Cal- 
vert was recognized by all parties as governor. The popu- 
lation of Maryland at this time is estimated at 10,000. 

141. The colony of Delaware origmated in the desire of 
Gustavus \^gus-tah' -vus] Adolphus, the greatest of Swedish 
kings, to advance the Protestant religion, and the interests 

Lord Baltimore? Who succeeded to his charter? Give an account of the first settle- 
ment. Who was the only enemy of the infant colony? What became of Clayborne? 
What was done by the early Assemblies ? How were these Assemblies composed ? In 
1642, wiiat happened? Relate the history of Clayborne's insurrection. UO. When did 
Leonard Calvert die? Give the subsequent history of the colony till 1660. What was 
its population about this time ? 141. What was the origin of Delaware ? What pre- 



94 FOUNDING OF DELAWAKK. [1636 

of bis nation in the new world. A charter was granted to 
a company in 1626, and a few Swedes came over the follow- 
ing year. A war, however, arose, which engrossed the at- 
tention of Gustavus, and he fell on the field of Lutzen [loof- 
ze7i\ without carrying his scheme into execution. Yet it 
was not forgotten. Through the efforts of the wise statesman 
Oxenstiern \_ox' -en-steern\ a company of Swedes and Finns 
was sent over in 1638, under Peter Min'-u-its, who had pre- 
viously been in the service of the Dutch. They arrived in 
Delaware Bay, 'bought a tract from the natives, to which 
they gave the name of New Sweden, and built Fort Chris- 
tiana, near the present site of Wilmington, calling it in honor 
of the young queen of Sweden. The colony flourished, re- 
inforcements came over, and another settlement was made 
on a spot now embraced in the suburbs of Philadelphia. 

142. The Dutch looked on this Swedish colony with jeal- 
ous eyes. Some years before its arrival, a body of men had 
been sent out from New Amsterdam to settle this region ; 
but quarrels arose, and the whole party was cut off by In- 
dians. On this the Dutch founded a claim to the country ; 
and in 1651 they built a fort at Newcastle \new' -cas-sel\ 
within five miles of Christiana. Resolved to prevent such 
encroachments, the settlers of New Sweden attacked and 
destroyed the fort. In revenge for this injury, Stuyvesant 
[sti^-ve-sant\ then governor of New Netherlands, with more 
than 600 men, invaded their country, subjected it to Hol- 
land, and put an end to Swedish power in America. New 
Sweden at this time contained about VOO colonists. They 
remained quietly under the sway of the Dutch, and ydt\\ the 
Dutch in 1664 passed under the dominion of the English. 

vented Gustavus Adolphus from carrying out his plans? Who did carry them out? 
Give an account of the first settlement. 142. How did the Dutch regard the Swedish 
colony ? What grounds had they for claiming this region ? What did they do in 1651 ? 
What followed? How did the Dutch revenge themselves? How many colonists did 
New Sweden then contain ? What was its subsequent history ? 



NEW NETHERLANDS UNDER MINUITS. 95 



CHAPTER X. 

NEW NETHERLANDS, FROM 1621 TO 1664. FOUNDING OF NEW 

JERSEY. 

143. The Dutch West India Company, in 1621, obtained 
from the government of Holland a grant of nearly the whole 
African coast and all the countries they might conquer in 
America, for the purposes of trade and colonization. Of 
this extensive territory, New Netherlands, embracing the 
vaUey of the Mauritius [maKnt^ish'-us] River (as the Hudson 
was then called), seemed the most important, and to it the 
company gave their chief attention. 

Peter Minuits was the first governor. He came over in 
1625, and bought the whole island of Manhattan from the 
Indians for $24. Friendly courtesies were interchanged 
with the Plymouth Colony. A brisk trade in furs was car- 
ried on, and the capture of such Spanish vessels as approach- 
ed the harbor was a further source of profit. New Amster- 
dam (such, it will be remembered, was then the name of 
New York) grew apace. This was the day of " hunters and 
traders, otter and beaver skins, straw roofs, wooden chim- 
neys, and Tvindmills". The Dutch spread out over Long 
Island, Staten Island, and New Jersey. Wherever the soil 
was good or beaver were abundant, thrifty Hollanders set- 
tled, buying their land honorably from the Indians for 
knives, beads, or wampum. To encourage immigration, 
the company offered every man who in four years would 
plant a colony of fifty souls, a tract sixteen miles in length, 
of which, after buying the right of the Indians, he should be 
" patroon," or lord. Godyn [go-dine'], Yan Rensselaer [van 
ren''-se-ler\ and others availed themselves of this offer. 

144. Meanwhile the Indians, excited by the rum obtained 

143. In 1621, what extensive grant did the Dutch West India Company obtain? 
To what region did they give the most attention? Who was the first governor? 
What did he pay for Manhattan Island ? What sources of profit did the Dutch find ? 
Describe New Amsterdam at this time. Where did the Dutch settlements spread? 
How did the Dutch obtain their lands ? How did the company encourage immigra- 
tion? Who availed themsehes of this offer? 144. Give an acronnt of the difSculties 



96 NEW NETHERLANDS UNDER KIEFT. [l640 

from white traders, committed various trespasses, which the 
Dutch in turn punished severely. This roused the Indians 
to vengeance, and in 1640 they attacked a settlement on 
Staten Island. The next year, a Hollander was killed at 
Manhattan, by an Indian who had vowed to revenge the 
murder of his uncle ten years before. In 1642, a Hacken- 
sack warrior who had been made drunk and then robbed 
by the colonists, on returning to a sense of his injury, killed 
two of the Dutch. When satisfaction was demanded, the 
natives offered to pay 200 fathoms of wampum, but refused 
to give up the guilty party, on the ground that the Dutch 
had themselves provoked the act. Just at this time a band 
of river Indians, driven by the Mohawks, took refuge on the 
bank of the Hudson opposite Manhattan, and solicited the 
aid of the Dutch. Instead of granting the desired assist- 
ance, Kieft [Jceeft], who was then governor, sent a party of 
his countrymen across the river at the dead of night, to 
butcher the helpless and unsuspecting savages. Mothers 
and children, old and sick, shared the same cruel fate. Such 
as escaped the knife were driven from the cliffs and perished 
in the freezmg river. Nearly a hundred fell by this wicked 
attack. 

A desperate and bloody war was the result. The Red 
Men cried for vengeance from the Jersey shore to the Con- 
necticut, and many a pale-face suffered for the doings of that 
night. The Indians drew no distinction between innocent 
and guilty ; and among other victims of their revenge was 
Mrs. Hutchinson, who, as we have seen, had fled from the 
Massachusetts Colony and found refiige in Rhode Island. 

In this war several powerful tribes united, and it was 
feared at one time that every Hollander would be swept 
from the country. But Roger WiUiams, whose great influ- 
ence with the Indians was always exerted in behalf of peace, 
succeeded in persuading the exasperated warriors to bury 



which arose between the Dutch and the Indians, What satisfaction did the Indians 
offer? Just at this time what happened? How was the request of the river Indians 
met by Kieft and his countrymen ? What ensued ? Who perished in this war? What 
was at one time feared ? Who succeeded in appeasing the Indians for a time ? On the 



16*3] NEW NETHERLANDS UNDER STUYVESANT. 97 

the tomahawk. The war was afterwards renewed ; and the 
Dutch escaped utter destruction only by appointing John 
Underhill, who had won renown in the Pequod war, to the 
command of their forces. His courage and management 
were finally successful. 

145. The people were tired of Kieft, whose cruelty had 
provoked this disastrous war, and procured his recall. Pe- 
ter Stuyvesant, a veteran who had served with distinction 
in the West Indies, succeeded. Stuyvesant cultivated the 
friendship of the Indians, settled boundary disputes, granted 
the colony a more liberal system of trade, and promoted its 
interest in various ways. 

At this time, the island on which the great city of New 
York stands was occupied mostly by farmers. The tract 
now known as " the Park" was covered with a forest, in 
which boys gathered chestnuts, and tanners procured their 
bark. Land was very cheap, and Stuyvesant bought for a 
mere trifle that " Bowerie" beyond the town from which 
one of the principal streets of the city is named. A wall 
was run across the island, at what is now Wall-street, to 
keep off the Indians. Here is a view of New York, as it 
appeared from the Bay about 1650. 






146. In 1655, by order of the home government, Stuyve- 

renewal of the war whom did the Dutch make their leader? What was the result? 
145. How did the people feel towards Kieft? By whom was he superseded ? What 
measures were taken by Stuyvesant? Describe Manhattan Island at this time. 146 

5 



98 NEW NETHERLANDS UNDER STUYVESANT. [l655 

sant conquered New Sweden, since called Delaware. Dur- 
ing his absence, sixty-four canoes full of Indians appeared 
before New Amsterdam, and did considerable damage. His 
return restored peace. The colony from time to time re- 
ceived large additions, many victims of persecution in differ- 
ent parts of Europe seeking it as a home. 

147. An earnest desire for greater freedom had for some 
years shown itself in the people ; but Stuyvesant, accus- 
tomed to strict military discipline, would make no conces- 
sions. The principles of liberty continued to spread ; and 
at last a general assembly of deputies from the Dutch vil- 
lages was held for the purpose of asserting the rights of the 
people. Little was then gained, but the spirit displayed was 
not to be mistaken. 

148. The English had long coveted the flourishing settle- 
ment on Manhattan Island; and in 1664, Charles II., who 
cared little for the rights of others, granted the whole tract 
from the Connecticut to the Delaware to his brother James, 
Duke of York, afterwards James II. A powerful fleet was 
fitted out to take possession of the Dutch settlements. Stuy- 
vesant, however, was too old a soldier to be frightened ; and 
had he been supported by the people, he would have made a 
brave and perhaps successful defence. But the colonists re- 
membered how their recent appeals had been met ; and, 
thinking they would enjoy greater freedom and happiness 
imder English rule, they turned a deaf ear to Stuyvesant's 
stirring appeals, and refused to fight. Thus left without 
means of resistance, the brave old governor had to surrender, 
and all the possessions of the Dutch passed without blood- 
shed into the hands of the English (1664). The mhabitants 
were not disturbed, and even Stuyvesant himself passed the 
rest of his days under the sway of the conquerors. The 
name of the colony, as well as that of the settlement on 

In 1655, what did Stuyvesant do? What happened during his absence? By whom 
was the colony sought as a home? 147. What spirit began to manifest itself in the 
people? How was it met by Stuyvesant? What was finally done by the Dutch vil- 
lages? 148. How had the English felt towards the Dutch settlement on Manhattan ? 
In 1664, what grant was made by Charles II. ? What steps were immediately taken ? 
How did Stuvvesant endeavor to meet them ? How were his efforts frustrated ? What 



ice4:] FOUNDING OF NKW JERSEY. 99 

Manhattan, was now changed to New Yoek, in honor of 
the duke to whom it had been granted. The valley of the 
Hudson quietly submitted; and Fort Orange was named 
Albany, to commemorate the duke's Scottish title. All the 
Atlantic coast, from Maine to Georgia inclusive, was now in 
possession of the English. 

149. The region between the Hudson and the Delaware 
was made over by the Duke of York to Berkeley, who had 
been governor of the Isle of Jersey, and gave the name of 
New Jersey to the tract thus received. With the view of 
attracting settlers, freedom of worship was guarantied, and 
the right of taxation was confined to a colonial Assembly. 
In consequence of these advantages, New Jersey became 
rapidly peopled. 



CHAPTER XI. 

VIRGINIA FROM 1620 TO 1660. 

150. Slavery commenced in the new world with Spanish 
discoveries and conquests. In 1495, Columbus sent 500 In- 
dians to Spain, where they were j^ublicly sold. In 1501, 
negro slavery was recognized by law in the Spanish colonies, 
and introduced on a large scale into the West Indies, where 
the natives were rapidly perishing under the tasks imposed 
by their conquerors. Sir John Hawkins, an English adven- 
turer, engaged in the traffic, and Queen Elizabeth shared in 
the profits. Negro slaves were first brought to Virginia in 
a Dutch man-of-war. They were soon after introduced into 
all the other colonies. The price of a negro in New Am- 
sterdam ranged between $125 and $150. 

was the consequence? How did the English treat the Dutch? What change was 
made in the names of New Netherlands, New Amsterdam, and Fort Orange? 149. To 
whom was the tract between the Hudson and the Delaware made over? What name 
was given to it, and from what circumstance? How was it sought to attract settlers? 
What was the result ? 

150. When did slavery commence in the new world ? By whom and when were In- 
dian slaves introduced in Spain? When and why were negroes introduced as slaves 
in the West Indies? What Englishman engaged in the traffic? How were negro 
s'aves first brought to Virginia? At what price were they sold in New Amsterdam? 



100 VIRGINIA FROM 1620 TO 1660. [l6a3 

151. In 1622, the white population of Virginia amounted 
to about 4,000. EngHsh settlements had been planted on both 
sides of the James River for nearly 150 miles, and all fear 
of the Indians was laid aside. Powhatan was dead, and his 
younger brother Opechancanough [ojj-e-can' -ca-no] had suc- 
ceeded to his power. The new chief was far from sharing 
his brother's friendly feelings towards the whites ; and, jeal- 
ous of their increasing strength, he planned a general rising 
among the Red Men. The various settlements were at- 
tacked at the same time, and 347 of the colonists were mas- 
sacred within a single hour. The rest were saved by the 
warning of a friendly native. 

War followed. The Indians were driven back fi-om the 
river, and kiUed in great numbers. Yet the colony suffered 
much from the unexpected blow. Sickness set in ; many of 
the settlers returned to Europe ; and in 1624 there were only 
1,800 souls in the colony of Virginia. 

152. Meanwhile, King James, offended by some plain- 
spoken members of the London company, sent over commis- 
sioners, who tried to frighten the colonists into surrendering 
their charter. In this they did not succeed; whereupon, 
with, the aid of corrupt judges, the king dissolved the com- 
pany. 

153. In 1625, James I. was succeeded by his son Charles I. 
This king confirmed the privileges already granted, and rec- 
ognized the authority of the Assembly, in the hope that they 
would consign to him aU the tobacco raised in the colony 
and thus give him a monopoly of the article. But the As- 
sembly, while it was glad to have its rights confirmed, de- 
clined the king's proposals. Various salutary laws were 
passed about this time. Profanity and drunkenness were 
prohibited ; military exercises were required ; emigration 
without the governor's permission was forbidden ; and a cer- 

151. What was the population of Virginia in 1622? How far had the English settler 
ments extended ? Who was noAV chief of the Powhatans ? How did he feel towards 
the whites ? What was done by his direction ? How many of the colonists were mas- 
sacred ? What was the result of the war that followed ? In 1624, how many colonists 
did Virginia contain ? 152. What was the fate of the London company, and what led to 
it? 158. In 1625, who became king of England ? What led him at first 'o favor th^ 



1641] Berkeley's administration. 101 

tain part of the soil was set apart for the cultivation of corn. 
The Pui'itans were invited from the less genial climate of the 
North, and some accepted the invitation. 

154. Sir Wilham Berkeley became governor in 1641, and 
the colony continued to flourish. During the struggle be- 
tween the Parliament and 'Charles I., which resulted in the 
execution of the latter, Yii-ginia adhered to the king, and, 
to show its loyalty, banished those who would not use the 
liturgy of the Enghsh Church. 

In 1644, another Indian war ravaged the fi'ontier. At last 
Opechancanough, the untiring enemy of the colonists, was 
made prisoner, and the power of the Powhatans was de- 
stroyed. The old chief died from a wound cruelly inflicted 
after his capture. The Indians obtained peace only by the 
surrender of large tracts of land. 

155. The Parhament and CromweU, everywhere triumph- 
ant, sent over a strong force to Virginia in 1652, to establish 
their authority. The colonists agreed to recognize it on 
condition of not being disturbed. Still they sympathized 
with the royal party, and, on the restoration of Charles 11. 
to his father's throne, gladly acknowledged him as their king. 
Gratitude, however, had no place in the nature of Charles ; 
and, when he was firmly seated on the throne, he rewarded 
his faithful subjects in Virginia by encroaching on then- 
rights and giving his profligate favorites large tracts of their 
choicest land. 



Assembly ? How did the Assembly meet his advances ? What laws were passed about 
this time ? What invitation was given and accepted ? 154. Who became governor in 
1641 ? What side did Virginia take in the struggle between Charles I. and his Parlia- 
ment ? What took place in 1644 ? How was this war terminated ? What became of 
the Powhatan chief? 155. How were the Virginians compelled to recognize the au- 
thority of Cromwell ? What were their feelings on the subject? On Charles Second's 
restoration, what did they do ? How did Charles reward the Virginians for their fideUty ? 



102 Eliot's pke aching. [leo* 



CHAPTER XII. 

ELIOT'S PREACHING. UNION OF THE NEW ENGLAND 

COLONIES. 

156. A DESiKE to convert the Indians to Christianity at- 
tracted many good men to America during the seventeenth 
century. Among those who engaged most zealously in the 
work was John Eliot. He was born in England in 1604, 
and, emigrating to Massachusetts at the age of twenty-seven, 
became warmly interested in the natives. After some efforts 
to enhghten them, he collected as many as he could at Na^- 
tick [see Map, p. 84], and there estabhshed an Indian school. 
Becoming acquainted with then- language, he TVTOte an Al- 
gonquin grammar and translated the Scriptures into that 
tongue. This translation was printed at Cambridge in 1663, 
and was the first Bible ever published in America. 

When he spoke to the Red Men of God, he found that 
they already believed in a Supreme Being ; his other doc- 
trines they were not so ready to receive. They asked a 
thousand perplexing questions; but, though his teachings 
were not always understood or believed, yet his simplicity 
and kindness won then- hearts. In the children he found his 
most attentive listeners. One Indian youth, we are told, 
having seen the ceremony of baptism performed by the mis- 
sionary, persuaded his parents to unite T\dth the church, and 
then joined it himself, declaring that he was ready to die. 
Shortly after he was attacked by consumption, and died the 
death of a Christian. 

Money was raised in England, to aid Ehot in his benevo- 
lent scheme. He was of service to the Lidians in various 
ways, not only instructing them in their religious duties, but 
teaching the men to dig and the women to sj)in. His heart 

156. What led many to America in the seventeenth century? Who engaged zealously 
in this work? Give some account of his early efforts. When and ■where was the first 
Bible printed in America ? In -what language ? [See Map, p. 84. — Where is Natick ? 
In what direction from Boston ?] How did the Indians receive Eliot's teachings? Who 
were his most attentive listeners ? What story is told of an Indian boy ? What besides 



1634:] AKCHBISHUI^ LAUD*a COMMIiSSION. 103 

overflowed with kindness; he would never see his fellow- 
creatures sufier when he had the means of relieving them. 
On one occasion carrying home part of his salary, tied up in 
his handkerchief, he called by the way on a destitute family. 
Moved by their distress, he tried to untie his handkerchief, 
that he might give them some money; but the knot resisted 
his efforts, and he handed the whole to the mother of the 
tamily, saying, " Take it, for I believe the Lord designs it all 
for you". 

Ehot wrote several books, in one of which he expressed 
sentiments so hberal that he was censured by the Boston 
court and required to take them back. He died at a good 
old age, loved by all who knew him. 

Others besides Eliot took up the good work, and many of 
the Indians learned to read and ^vi'ite. One of their num- 
ber even took a college degree. But these advances to- 
wards civilization were confined to the tribes on the eastern 
coast of Massachusetts. The ISTarragansetts, as well as the 
more distant nations, refused all instruction and proudly ad- 
hered to the faith of their fathers. 

157. Charles I., whose tyi'annical conduct was at last the 
cause of his dethronement and execution, strove to oppress 
the New England colonies equally with the Puritans at 
home. In 1634, he empowered a commission, consisting of 
Archbishop Laud and others, to revoke charters, inflict pen- 
alties, and establish a new government in the American 
plantations. This news soon reached Boston, and with it 
the rumor that a governor appointed by the crown was 
on his way to Massachusetts. A council was called, and 
it was resolved that the colony should resist as far as it 
was able. In 1635, the Plymouth company surrendered 
their patent* to the king ; and soon afterwards the Massa- 



religious truths did Eliot teach the Indians ? What instance of his generosity is related ? 
What kind of sentiments did Eliot express in one of his works ? Under Eliot and his 
companions, what did many of the Indians learn to do ? To whom were these advances 
confined ? How was it with the Narragansetts ? 157. How did Charles I. treat the 
New England Puritans ? What power did he give to Laud ? What rumor soon 
reached Boston ? On what course did the colonists determine ? In 1635, what did the 
Plymouth company do ? What soon after happened to the Massachusetts Bay com- 



104 UNION OF THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES. [l638 

chusetts Bay company was deprived of its privileges by pro- 
cess of law. 

The entire control of both the Massachusetts colonies thus 
rested with the crown ; and measures were promptly taken 
to suppress freedom of thought and action. Puritans were 
forbidden to emigrate to America ; and it is said that thus 
the king, unfortunately for himself, prevented Cromwell, 
Hampden, and other friends of liberty from leaving Eng- 
land. The colonists would no doubt have been cruelly per- 
secuted, had not difficulties soon arisen at home which en- 
grossed the king's attention. 

158. The New England colonies, having the same origin, 
views, and interests, began about this time to feel the neces- 
sity of union. In 1643, they were threatened by the Indians 
on one side, and the Dutch and French on the other ; and 
accordingly Plymouth, Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut, and 
New Haven, formed a league offensive and defensive, under 
the name of " the United Colonies of New England". At 
this time, they contained a population of about 20,000, scat- 
tered through 50 villages. 

Each colony retained the control of its own territory ; but 
questions of war and peace, and all matters of common in- 
terest, were decided by a council of two commissioners from 
each. In case of war, the colonies were to ftimish men and 
money in proportion to their population. This confederacy 
was the germ of the American Union. It was of great ad- 
vantage to the colonies, and lasted more than forty years, 
tiU the New England charters were revoked by James II. 

159. The people of Massachusetts had early provided for 
the education of the young. A sum of money was appro- 
priated by the General Court for the establishment of a school 
at Cambridge ; and the Rev. John Harvard having left it 
nearly $4,000 and his library, it was made a university and 
called by his name. Such was the origin of Harvard Uni- 

pany? What measures were now taken by the king? What prevented him fronii 
cruelly persecuting the colonists ? 158. What did the New England colonies begin to 
feel necessary ? When was the union effected, and what led to it ? What was the 
population of New England at this time? What were the terms of the union ? Of 
what was it the germ ? How long did it last ? 159. For what had the people of Massa- 



164:7] DOMESTIC LIFE OF THE PURITANS. 105 

versity, the oldest college in the United States. Every 
townshijD of fifty householders was required by law to erect 
a school-house and hire a teacher. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

DOMESTIC LIFE, CHARACTER, AND LAWS OF THE PURITANS. 

160. Let us glance at the state of society among the Pu- 
ritans. Their condition, of course, was like that of the Eng- 
lish people at this time. Many improvements connected 
with domestic life were yet unknoTVTi, while others had just 
been introduced. The use of chimneys was becoming com- 
mon, though opposed by some, who said that smoke im- 
proved their health and hardened the timbers of their 
houses. Wooden dishes and spoons were gi^ong way to 
pewter ones. Houses of brick and stone were not unfi*e- 
quent in the old country ; but in America boards and un- 
hewTi logs were mostly used in building. A poor man in 
England received but half what he now gets for a day's la- 
bor. Rye, barley, and oats, were the common food ; and 
thousands of families hardly knew the taste of meat. The 
condition of the people in Massachusetts was considerably 
better than this. After the first few years of scarcity, ordi- 
nary industry supplied their wants ; and they lived more 
comfortably and independently than the same class in the 
old world. 

161. The Puritans of New England had naturally imbibed 
a strong aversion to the manners and practices of those who 
had persecuted them. They were opposed to veils, wigs, 
and long hair, condemned silken hoods and scarfs, required 
women to restrict the size of their sleeves, and discounte- 
nanced all frivolous fashions in dress. They disliked the 

chusetts early made provision ? What was the origin of Harvard University ? What 
was the law relating to school-houses? 

160. Give an account of the condition of the New England Puritans. How did it com- 
pare with that of their brethren in England ? 161. To what were the Puritans opposed ? 



106 



LAWS OF THE PURITANS. 



[l050 



cross in the British flag, and for- 
bade the observance of Christ- 
mas. Comparing themselves to 
the Israehtes of old, who fled 
from bondage in Egypt to an 
unknown wilderness, they tried 
to conform to the laws and cus- 
toms of the chosen people. Like 
them, they commenced their Sab- 
bath on Saturday evening, and 
observed it with the utmost strict- 
ness. They took whole sentences 
from the Bible as names for their 
children, or called them after 
Scriptural characters. All reli- 
gious duties were zealously at- \ 
tended to ; prayers and sermons 
were but little esteemed unless 
they were of great length ; and 
children and servants were regu- 
larly catechised. They were stiff 
and formal, but at the same time 
industrious, enterprising, and moral. 

162. The laws of the Puritans condemned all war that 
was not defensive, and provided penalties for gambling, in- 
temperance, and other immoralities. They forbade the tak- 
ing of interest on loaned money, and punished blasphemy 
and idolatry with death. Persecuted Christians, of their 
own faith, who sought refuge among them, were supported 
for a time at the public expense ; but priests and Jesuits 
were forbidden to set foot within their limits. 

163. Quakers shared with Roman Catholics the hatred of 
the Puritans. They were first known as a rehgious body in 




A PUBITAN. 



To whom did they compare themselves ? In what respects did they imitate the chosen 
people ? Wbat is said of their manners ? What, of their attention to religious duties ? 
162. What did the laws of the Puritans condemn and forbid? What provision was 
made for persecuted Puritans who sought refuge among them ? How was it with 
priests and Jesuits ? 168. To what other sect were the Puritans opposed ? When were 



1656] PEKSJECUTION OF THE QUAKERS. 107 

England in 1644, through the preachmg of George Fox. 
Averse to form, the Quakers believed that God communi- 
cated directly \\ath the spirits of men, moving them accord- 
ing to His will. They would neither bear arms nor take an 
oath ; they condemned pleasures, forms, and show ; they de- 
nounced tyranny and abhorred titles. Anxious to propa- 
gate their doctrines and ready to seal their opinions with 
their blood, they had turned their eyes to America as a 
promising field for effort. 

164. In 1656, two Quakeresses arrived at Boston. They 
were immediately arrested, and after an imprisonment of 
five weeks expelled from the colony. Laws were passed, 
forbidding imder heavy penalties the introducing or harbor- 
ing of Quakers in Massachusetts. If one of " the accursed 
sect" was found within the colony, he was to lose an ear ; if 
he returned, the other ear was forfeited ; and for a third 
offence his tongue was to be pierced with a red-hot ii'on. 

But the persecuted Quakers gloried in bearing witness to 
their faith. The severer the laws against them, the more 
they were attracted to Boston. Fines, whij^puigs, and tor- 
tures could not keep them away : and finally the authorities 
declared that all Quakers found a second time in the colony 
should be punished with death. Three men and one woman 
suffered on the scaffold under this law, declaring that they 
died for conscience' sake. Such horror, however, was ex- 
cited by these executions, that the cruel law was repealed. 
After this, Quakers were whipped out of the colony, and the 
excitement gradually died away. 

165. It seems strange in this more liberal age that the 
Puritans should so soon have forgotten their own sufferings 
and displayed the same persecuting spirit from which they 
had themselves fled. Their only excuse is to be found in 
the spu'it of the times. Laws for the punishment of heresy 

the Quakers first known in England ? Through whose preaching? What did the Qua- 
kers believe ? What did they condemn ? 164. In 1656, who arrived at Boston ? What 
was done to them ? What laws were passed on the subject? What was the effect of 
these laws? Finally what did the authorities declare? How many persons suffered 
under this law ? What feeling was excited ? What was the result ? 165. What excuse 
cin the Puritans plead for this intolerance? What had been done in Spain? In 



108 KING Philip's war. [leeo 

existed in every Christian country. In Spain, multitudes 
had perished at the stake and on the rack. Under Charles 
v., 50,000 persons had been burned, hanged, buried alive, 
or beheaded, in the Netherlands. Even in England, num- 
bers had suftered under Bloody Mary and some of her suc- 
cessors. The Puritans were only carrjdng out the same in- 
tolerant principles. To Roger Williams and his Providence 
Plantations, to Lord Baltimore and his happy colony on the 
Chesapeake, belongs the honor of first rising superior to the 
bigotry of their age. 






CHAPTER XIV. 

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 

166. Unlike the Virginians, the Puritans of New Eng- 
land, during the long struggle between Charles I. and his 
Parliament, sided against the king ; and when the latter was 
dethroned and Cromwell assumed the government, they were 
treated with great liberality and favor. The population in- 
creased; coromerce extended; the fisheries flourished; and 
ship-building and other trades were pursued with profit. 

167. In 1658, Cromwell died; and, his son having abdi- 
cated, Charles II. was restored to the throne of England 
in 1660. The first vessel that left for the colonies after this 
event brought over Whalley \whol'-le\ and Gofie [(^o/"], two 
of the regicide judges who had condemned Charles I., now 
compelled to fly from the vengeance of his son. They were 
well received in Boston by Gov. Endicott. The next year, 
an order came for their arrest ; but the authorities allowed 
them to escape to Connecticut. 

Charles II. having become firmly seated on the throne, 

the Netherlands? In England? Who, in the new world, first rose superior to the 
bigotry of their age ? 

166. In the struggle between Charles I. and Parliament, which side did the New 
England Puritans take ? What was their condition during CromweU's administration ? 
167. What took place in 1660 ? Soon after, who amved at Boston ? How were they 
treated? How did the colonists attempt to make their peace with the king? With 



lesa] CAUSES of hostility. 109 

the colonists were obliged to acknowledge his authority. 
Commissioners were sent to England by the people of Mas- 
sachusetts to make their peace with the king for having sided 
against his father, and to procure from him a confirmation of 
their charter. The king complied with their wishes so far 
as to confirm the charter, and grant pardon for past ofiences ; 
but in turn requu-ed the Puritans to take an oath of alle- 
giance, to tolerate the Church of England, and to extend the 
right of voting to those who were not church members. To 
these demands the colonists returned an evasive answer ; and 
four commissioners were sent over by the king, whose report 
might have led him to punish by force of arms the indepen- 
dent spirit of New England, "had not the great plague and 
the fire of London called off his attention. At this time 
New England contained 120 villages and about 60,000 in- 
habitants. 

168. Scarcely had these troubles ended, when the New 
England colonies became involved in a long and bloody In- 
dian war. It is known as King Philiifs War, and broke 
out in 1675. The faithful Massassoit had died some years 
before, leaving two sons, Alexander and Philip. Alexander 
succeeded his father, but shortly afterwards died of a fever 
brought on by mortification at being arrested and impris- 
oned by the English. His death left Philip chief of the Wam- 
panoags, who now numbered about 700 warriors. 

The English settlements having extended on all sides, the 
Wampanoags at last found themselves confined to two small 
peninsulas. They had sold a great part of their land, and 
could no longer enjoy the forest freedom which was neces- 
sary to their happiness. They now began to understand the 
meaning of those mysterious marks which they had made 
from time to time on deeds conveying their possessions away 
forever. The white men were daily increasing in number, 
and the natives became alarmed lest they should be driven 



what success did the commissioners meet ? What did the king demand in turn ? What 
followed? How many villages and inhabitants did New England now contain? 168. In 
1675, VI hat broke out in New England ? Who was King Philip? How had he become 
chief of the Wampanoags ? How large was this tribe? What was their condition? 



110 KING Philip's war. [ler* 

out even from the little that remained to them of the land 
of their fathers. 

Several unfortunate occurrences increased the suspicion 
and hostility of the natives. In 1674, a chief who had been 
required for some offence to give up his arms, was again 
summoned to Boston for examination. Instead of obeying 
the order, he, with some others, killed the informer ; and 
the murderers, having been arrested and found guilty, were 
publicly hanged. The Indians immediately revenged them- 
selves by attacking Swanzey, a settlement near Mount Hope, 
and killing eight or nine of the inhabitants. 

169. Philip wept when he heard that the war had begun, 
nor was he ever afterwards seen to smile. He felt that it 
must result in the destruction of his tribe. The English far 
outnumbered the Red ^ Men, and were well provided with 
arms, ammunition, and the necessaries of life. The Indians, 
though they had learned the use of fire-arms, were poorly 
supplied with them, and lacked the discipline and confidence 
of their enemies. Yet Philip resolved to do all that could 
be done by a great warrior. He would at least leave his 
enemies a victory which they would have cause to mourn. 

Within a week after the attack on Swanzey, a body of 
troops from Boston reached the vicinity. The Indians were 
obliged to retreat. Their route was traced by burning 
houses, and poles fixed in the earth bearing the scalps and 
heads of their unfortunate victims. Great consternation 
prevailed ; but volunteers continued to take the field, and 
the Wampanoags were soon driven from Mount Hope [see 
Map, p. 84]. 

170. Philip was now a fugitive, but he was more terrible 
than ever. Moving rapidly among the neighboring tribes, 
he exhorted them, with burning eloquence, to join the com- 
mon cause of their race. His appeals were successful. From 

What did they begin to fear? What occurrences increased their suspicion ? What wa3 
the first act of hostility committed by the natives ? 169. What were Philip's feelings on 
hearing of this? Why? What reasons had he for fearing the worst ? What did ha 
resolve to do ? What was the first movement of the colonists ? In what did it result ? 
[See Map, p. 84 — Into what water does the peninsula on which Mount Hope lies, pro- 
ject?] What course did Philip now pursue? What tribe joined the league in violation 






1673] 



THE ATTACK ON HADLEY. 



Ill 



Maine to Connecticut, the whole Indian population, with a 
few exceptions, rose to this sanguinary war. Even the Nar- 
ragansetts, who had promised to remain at peace with the 
English, finally joined the league ; — their chief no doubt re- 
membering the wrongs of his father Miantonomoh. 

The whole frontier was 
thus kept in constant 
alarm. The terrible war- 
whoop resounded on all 
sides, and no one could 
tell when he was safe 
from the prowling sav- 
age. Brookfield, Deer- 
field, and Springfield 
were burned. Hadley 
was surprised while the 
jDcople were at church. 
A panic seized the inhab- 
itants. In the midst of 
the confusion, when the 
Indians were about com- 
mencing their bloody work, a strange being bowed doAvn 
with age made his appearance, recalled the people to their 
senses, formed them in line, led them to the charge, and 
completely defeated the savage assailants. He vanished as 
suddenly as he had appeared, and for some time the people 
attributed their deliverance to an angel. It was afterwards 
found that this mysterious personage was no other than Goffe, 
the regicide, who had been a general in Cromwell's army. 
Seeing the danger of his countrymen from his place of con- 
cealment, he had come forth for their rescue. 

171. The colonists, finding vigorous measures necessary, 
determined to invade the country of the Narragansetts. A 




SETTLEMENTS IN WESTEEN MASSACUUSETT8. 



of their promise ? What probably incited their chief to do so ? What was the state of 
the whole frontier ? What places were burned ? [See Map above.— Which of these 
places was furthest east? furthest south? furthest north? What river are Springfield 
and Deerfield near ? Where is Hadley ? Near what mountain ? In what state are these 
places?] Give an account of what happened at Hadley. Who was the mysterious per- 
sonage? 171. What was the next step of the colonists ? How many men were raised? 



112 KING Philip's war. [1075 

thousand men were raised. Josiah Winslow was placed at 
their head ; and in December, 1675, the expedition was com- 
menced. The ground was covered with snow, through which 
the invaders painfully forced their way. They found the en- 
emy strongly intrenched in a swamp and defended by pal- 
isades. As they approached, a destructive fire was opened 
by the savages ; but the place of those who fell was filled by 
others, and after a severe struggle of two hours the fort was 
taken. The victors fired the cabins of the Indians, and de- 
stroyed their winter stores. Many old men, women, and 
children, perished in the flames. A thousand warriors fell, 
the settlers showing as little mercy as they had received. 

The power of the Narragansetts was thus utterly broken. 
The few survivors wandered through the cedar-swamps, with 
no shelter but the evergl'eens and no food save the ground- 
nuts which they dug from under the snow. Still the proud 
chief Ca-non^-chet declared, " We will fight to the last man". 
The following April (1676), he was taken captive; but his 
spu'it was still unsubdued. When interrogated by a young 
man, he refiised to answer " a child", but said he would talk 
with a chief On being told that death awaited him, he ex- 
claimed, " I like it well ! I shaU die before I speak any thing 
unworthy of myself." 

172. In February, 1676, Phihp assailed Lancaster. Forty- 
two persons took refuge in the house of Mary Rowlandson, 
who describes that day as the "dolefulest" she ever saw. 
Some were fighting for their hves, others weltering in blood, 
the house on fire, and the savages ready to massacre those 
whom the flames drove forth from its shelter. Attempting 
to escape, Mrs. Rowlandson received a bullet in her side, and 
her child was wounded in her arms. Gro'-ton, Medfield, 
Weymouth, and Marlborough [ma7'r-bur-o], were burned. 
Capt. Wadsworth [wods'-wurt/i]^ on his way to relieve Sud- 
bury, was surprised and lost most of his party. Those who 

Who commanded them ? Give an account of the expedition. How many Indians were 
killed and captured ? What became of the survivors ? What stories are related of 
Canonchet? 172. What place did Philip attack in February, 1676? Eelate what took 
place there. What villages were next burned? What befell Captain Wadsworth? 



1676] CAPTAIN CHURCH TAKES THE FIELD. 113 

were unfortunate enough to be taken, were cruelly tortured. 
The Indians, says the quamt Cotton Math'-er, deliberately 
roasted their prisoners out of the world. 

Philip allowed himself no rest. He was everywhere pres- 
ent, yet seen by no one. Wherever an unprotected village 
invited attack, wherever a well-planned ambuscade could cut 
off an inexperienced enemy, there at the right moment was 
the watchful chief. It became necessary to trace him to his 
secret hiding-places. Captain Turner started in his pursuit, 
and came upon him at the Falls of the Connecticut. A night 
attack was made, and most of the Indian braves were killed 
on the spot or driven down the cataract. 

173. The New Hampshire tribes having abandoned the 
war, Philip now found his forces reduced to a feeble rem- 
nant. Driven from place to place, they often suffered the 
greatest extremities for food. On one occasion, 300 of his 
men had to go many miles to the coast, to sustain life on the. 
clams it afforded. Still the brave chief kept the field. He 
even struck dead one of his followers for proposing peace. 

In June, 1676, a strong force, raised with the view of ex- 
terminating the savage foe, was placed under command of 
the celebrated Captain Church. In the course of the sum- 
mer, he killed and captured many of the dispersed Wampa- 
noags. Among others, the wife and child of Philip were 
taken. " My heart breaks", cried the chieftain ; " now I 
am ready to die !" The child alluded to was a boy of nine 
years, the last of the family of Massassoit. Forgetting all 
they owed his grandfather, the Puritans sold him as a slave 
in Bermuda. 

174. The condition of Philip was now indeed hopeless. 
Deserted, betrayed, hunted down, he could hope for relief 
only in death. With his few remaining followers he took 
refuge in a swamp, in the broad hunting-grounds which had 

How were the prisoners treated ? What is said of Philip's movements ? What did it be- 
come necessary to do ? Give an account of the night attack at the Falls of the Connecti- 
cut 173. What tribes had abandoned the war? What was the condition of Philip's 
men ? How did the chief feel respecting peace ? In July, 1676, what steps were taken 
by the colonists? During tho summer, what did Church succeed in doing? Who 
were among the captives? What was the fate of Philip's son? 174. Where did the 



114 BACON'S REBELLION. [I6T6 

belonged to his fathers. Here, while trying to obtain rest, 
he was disturbed by gloomy dreams. Impressed with a 
foreboding of evil, he bade his men save themselves and 
leave him to his fate. It was time. Capt. Church was 
upon him. An Englishman aimed at the chief, but his mus- 
ket missed fire, and a friendly Indian in the company seized 
the moment to shoot Philip through the heart. Church's 
army raised three cheers, and treated the fallen king with 
savage indignity. His body was quartered. The head was 
cut off and carried to Plymouth, whence it was borne round 
the colony in triumph. The Indian who killed him received 
one of his hands as a reward. 

Thus ended King Philip's war, to the great joy of the 
colonists. It had cost the hves of some of their best men, 
and destroyed a vast amount of property, including six hun- 
dred houses. It had obliged the colonists to contract a 
heavy debt ; but this, with honest pride, they determined to 
discharge without aid from the mother country, 






CHAPTER XV. 

BACON'S REBELLION. 

175. Though the Virgmians loved hberty, they still re- 
tained some of the old forms and customs of the English 
aristocracy. The eldest son inherited the whole of his fa- 
ther's estate ; and, as the influence and wealth of the land- 
owners increased, the di\dding line between the higher and 
lower classes became more distinct. The Virginians were 
mostly royalists, and but few repubHcans were elected to 
the new legislature formed after the restoration of Charles II. 

The loyal colonists, however, were not treated with the 
favor which they had a right to expect from the home gov- 

cbief and his few followers finally take refuge? Describe Philip's death scene. How 
■was his body treated? What did King Philip's war cost the colonists ? What resolu- 
tion did they form respecting the debt they had contracted ? 

175. What were still retained in Virginia? What was the character of the legislature 
formed after the liestoration ? How were the loyal colonists treated by Parliament? 



166l] TROUBLES IN VIRGINIA. 115 

ernmeut. Parliament soon ordered that the imports and 
exports of the colonies should be carried in English vessels 
alone, and that their chief productions should be shipped 
only to the mother country. A profitable trade which had 
sprung up with the West Indies was thus entirely cut off. 

The measures of their own legislature were hardly less 
offensive than those of Parhament. The right of voting was 
restricted to householders. The forms of the English Church 
were enforced on all, and a fine of £20 was laid on those who 
absented themselves from public Avorship. A special law was 
passed against Quakers; and Baptists were denounced as 
" filled with new-fangled conceits of their own heretical in- 
vention". The members of this legislature had been elected 
for two years ; but they continued in session without regard 
to the expiration of theii* term, and fixed their own salary at 
250 pounds of tobacco a day. No public improvements were 
attempted. Neither roads nor bridges were constructed. 
Governor Berkeley, whom the long possession of power had 
made a tyrant, expressed the common sentiment of this roy- 
alist legislature, when he said, " I thank God that there are 
no free schools nor printing, and I hope that we shall not 
have them these hundred years". 

176. With such a government the people were justly dis- 
satisfied, and, to add to their troubles, in 1675 an Indian war 
broke out. The Susquehannas, driven from their abodes by 
the Senecas, had fallen back on the Potomac and commenced 
depredations in Maryland. John Washmgton, great-grand- 
father of the fii'st president of the United States, hastened to 
the aid of the settlers. The Indians sent to propose peace ; 
but their ambassadors, in violation of law and justice, were 
put to death. The savages retaliated by devastating the 
frontier from the Potomac to the James, and murdering 
without mercy all who fell in their power. 

The people solicited Gov. Berkeley to take measures for the 

What measures injurious to their commercial interests, were passed? What offensive 
laws were enacted by their own legislature? How did this royalist legislature and the 
governor feel towards schools and printing-presses? 176. What added to the troubles 
of the people in 1675? How did this war originate? Who hastened to the aid of the 
Maryland settlers? What unjust act was committed by the colonists? How did the 



116 BACON B REBELLION. [l67G 

protection of their lives and property ; but he paid no atten- 
tion to their requests, and the work of death went on un- 
checked. In 1676, Nathaniel Bacon, who had but recently 
arrived from England, was urged by the people to lead them 
against the enemy. The governor would not commission 
him ; but Bacon, moved by the solicitations of his friends, 
declared that if he heard of another murder he would take 
the field with no commission but his sword. He was shortly 
afterwards informed that several men had been killed on his 
own plantation. The brave young leader no longer hes- 
itated. At the head of 57 men, he defeated the Indians, 
and then turned to meet the tyrannical Berkeley, who was 
already marching against him. So strongly, however, did 
the people express their disapprobation of the governor's 
course, that he concluded to abandon it. Concessions were 
made by Bacon, and he was reinstated in his former position. 
The old legislature was dissolved, and a new one of totally 
different principles was elected. 

177. Peace was thus restored, but only for a short time. 
Bacon and his adherents were still resolved on obtaining the 
commission which Berkeley had promised but seemed deter- 
mined to withhold. At last the repubUcan leader appeared 
before Jamestown with nearly 500 followers, and obtained 
the governor's signature by force. But no sooner had he 
marched with his little army against the Indians, than Berke- 
ley, dissolving the legislature, again raised his standard, and 
proclaimed Bacon a rebel. This proceeding gave general 
offence. Bacon returned and appealed to the Yiginians to 
overthrow a tyrannical government. The people rose in a 
body to support their leader, and Berkeley was compelled to 
flee beyond the Chesapeake. 

During the temporary absence of Bacon on an expedition 
against the Indians, Berkeley once more got possession of 

Indians retaliate ? What did tbe people solicit Gov. Berkeley to do ? How did he treat 
their requests? Whom did they then urge to lead them against the Indians? What 
at first prevented him from complying with their request? What afterwards led him 
to do so ? Give an account of Bacon's expedition and the difficulties to which it led. 
How was peace restored? 177. What new difficulties soon after arose ? Give an ac- 
count of the struggle which resulted in Berkeley's expulsion from Jamestown. During 






1676] 



DEATH OF BACON. 



117 



Jamestown, but was a second time driven out. To prevent 
it from again falling into his hands, Bacon, before retiring, 
burned it to the ground. Several of the patriots applied the 
torch to their own dwellings. A new state-house and the 
oldest church in the Dominion were consumed by the flames. 




THE BtTRNING OF JAMEoTOWN. 



The people of Virgmia seemed now to have gained the ob- 
ject for which they had struggled, — a liberal and efficient 
government, — when their worthy leader was seized with an 
illness which put an end at once to his life and their hopes. 
Though denounced as a traitor in his life-time by the oppo- 
nents of popular rights. Bacon has been regarded by posterity 
as a true friend of the people, a fearless champion of human- 
ity, justice, and liberty. 

178. No one could be found worthy of succeeding Bacon 



Bacon's absence, what advantage was gained by Berkeley? On his return, what took 
place ? What did Bacon and his adherents do, to prevent Jamestown from again falling 
into Berkeley's hands? What buildings were destroyed? What did the Virginians 
now seem to have gained ? How were their hopes disappointed ? How was Bacon 
denounced in his life-time? How is he regarded by posterity ? 178. What became of 



118 SETTLEMENT OF CAROLINA. [l676 

as the leader of the popular party. Berkeley was restored, 
and ^v-ith his return began a series of fines, confiscations, 
and executions. All that had sided with " the rebels" were 
cruelly persecuted. Hansford, the first partisan leader that 
was taken, was condemned to death. The vindictive gover- 
nor refused his request to be shot like a soldier ; and he was 
hanged — the first white native of America that peiished by 
the gibbet. " Take notice," said he on coming to the gal- 
lows, " I die a loyal subject and a lover of my country". 
Drummond, another republican, was soon after taken. " You 
are very welcome," said Berkeley on beholding him ; " I am 
more glad to see you than any man in Virginia. You shall 
be hanged in half an hour." Twenty-two persons were exe- 
cuted before the vengeance of the implacable governor was 
satiated. The Assembly at last begged him to abstain from 
further bloodshed, and he reluctantly yielded to their re- 
quest. 

Berkeley soon after returned to England, where his con- 
duct was severely censured. " The old fool," said the king, 
^ has taken away more fives in that naked country, than I 
for the murder of my father." 

179. The avaricious Culpepper succeeded as governor in 
1680. He enriched himself by taxing and impoverishing the 
colony. The king after a time recalled him, and, annulling 
the unjust grants he had himself made to unworthy favorites, 
declared Virginia once more a royal province. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

SETTLEMENT OF CAROLINA. 

180. The region called Carolina was so named in honor 
of Charles IX., of France, but was first successfully colonized 

the popular party after Bacon's death ? How did the vindictive governor treat Hans- 
ford? How, Drummond? How many were executed? Who at last interfered ? What 
became of Berkeley? What did the king say about him? 179. Who succeeded as 
governor ? What course did he pursue? What did the king soon after do? 
ISO. From whom was Carolina so called ? Under whose auspices was it first settled ? 



1663] Locke's ''grand model". 119 

under the auspices of Charles II. of England. In 1663, this 
monarch, in defiance of former charters and the counter 
claims of France and Spain, bestowed the territory in ques- 
tion on Edward Clar'-en-don, Lord Al'-be-marle, the Earl of 
Shaftesbury \shafts'-her-ry\ and others. 

Clarendon and his associates contemplated founding a 
great empire. Shaftesbury was appointed to draw up a 
constitution. He called to his aid the philosopher Locke, 
who constructed a " Grand Model", which gave almost un- 
limited power to a body of nobles and entirely overlooked 
the rights of the people. This constitution was signed in 
1670. There was then neither church, court-house, nor 
printing-press, in Carolina. But it was the land of peace 
and plenty, and its great natural advantages had already 
attracted settlers. Some had fixed their abodes near Albe- 
marle Sound. Others had purchased a tract on the Cape 
Fear River, and established a flourishing trade in staves and 
shingles. The intermediate country w^as mostly a wilderness. 

Such was the condition of Carolina, when Locke's " Grand 
Model" of a constitution arrived. Nothing could have been 
less adapted to the people. There was no room for a grand 
series of lords among men who dressed in deer-skins and 
homespun. The hardy people of Carolina, " the freest of the 
free", had learned to govern themselves, and every effort to 
enforce the new constitution utterly failed. 

181. The same year in which this instrument was signed, 
a company of emigrants sailed for Carolina under William 
Sayle [sa^e], and landed near the mouth of the Ashley River. 
Though they established a republican government and rep- 
resentative Assembly, they tried to carry out Locke's absurd 
constitution, but found it impossible. As they were at some 
distance from the Albemarle and Cape Fear settlements, they 
thought it best to form an entirely distinct government ; and 

On whom did Charles TI. bestow the territory in question ? What did Clarendon and 
his associates contemplate ? Who was appointed to draw up a constitution? Whom 
did he summon to his aid ? What was the instrument thus constructed called ? What 
was its character? When was it signed? What was the state of things in Carolina at 
this time ? Where had settlements been made ? What was the result of the efforts 
made to enforce Locke's " Grand Model" ? Why was this? 181. What took place the 



120 SETTLEMENT OF CAKOLIXA. [1670 

hence the division into North and South Carolina. The 
Indians, influenced by the Spaniards of Florida, displayed 
an unfriendly disposition ; and the new colonists, when gath- 
ering oysters on the coast, or engaged in other work, carried 
guns for their protection. 

In 1672, a few graziers erected their cabins on the spot 
where Charleston now stands [see Map, p. 151], and eight 
years later the town was formally founded. The surround- 
ing country was a paradise. The river's banks were lined 
with stately pines, up which the yellow jasmine chmbed, 
loading the air with the perfume of its flowers. Immigrants 
arrived from the northern colonies as well as England, and 
among the rest fifty families sent over by Charles II. to in- 
troduce the culture of grapes, almonds, olives, and the silk- 
worm. The attempt failed, but a valuable addition in the 
form of thrifty and industrious laborers was thus made to 
the colony. The population was further increased in 1685 
by the arrival of many Hu'-gue-nots, or French Protestants, 
driven from their country by persecution, among the descend- 
ants of whom were some of the bravest heroes of the Rev- 
olution. 

182. The same fondness for self-government that prevailed 
in North Carolina was also rife in the Southern colony ; and 
Governor Col'-le-ton, sent over by the proprietors with en- 
larged powers to awe the people into submission, was met 
with open resistance. The Assembly boldly asserted its 
rights, defied the governor, and imprisoned his secretary. 
In vain he called out the mihtia; the people triumphed. 
When the news of the revolution which placed William and 
Mary on the throne of England was received, Colleton was 
banished from the pro^dnce. Similar measures were taken 



same j'ear in which the new constitution was signed? Why was the territory divided 
into North and South Carolina? What feelings did the Indians display towards the 
settlers ? Give an account of the founding of Charleston. Describe the surrounding 
country. With what view did Charles II. send over fifty families? What was the re- 
sult? How was the population increased in 1685? IS'2. What spirit was soon nnani- 
fested in South Carolina ? Give an account of Gov. Colleton's difficulties witii the 
Assembly. Where were similar measures taken ? What was the state of things in both 
colonies in 1689? 



1689] EARLY LIFE OF WILLIAM PENN. 121 

in North Carolina; and in 1689 we find the cause of popular 
rights triumphant m both colonies, and in both the prospect 
of a highly prosperous future. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

SETTLEMENT OF PENIS^STLYANIA. 

183. Cruelly persecuted in New England and the mother 
country, a number of Quakers in 1675 took refuge in New 
Jersey. Within a year, one of the proprietors sold out his 
interest to several persons, among whom was William Penn. 
Longing to provide a happy home for the people of his 
creed, Penn resolved to try his " holy experiment" on a 
larger scale. In 1681, he obtained from Charles II. an ex- 
tensive tract west of the Delaware, in payment of a claim 
against the government for £16,000, left him by his father. 
The king himself gave it the name of Pennsylvania, " the 
woody land of Penn". 

184. This eminent man was a son of Admiral Penn, who 
had won distinction by his conquest of Jamaica and brilliant 
achievements during the war mth Holland. He was born 
in 1644, and at the age of sixteen was expelled from Oxford 
University for embracing the doctrines of the Quakers. In- 
censed at his expulsion, his father beat him and turned him 
out of doors, but afterwards sent him to travel on the conti- 
nent, in the hope that his opinions would be changed by 
intercourse mth the world. On his return to England, he 
commenced the study of law ; but, on again hstening to a 
Quaker preacher, he became so firm a convert that all his 
father's reproaches, and even a second expulsion from home, 
could not turn him from his faith. 

The young Quaker was several times unprisoned for plead- 



183. Where did a number of Quakers settle in 1675 ? How did William Penn be- 
come interested in this colony ? What did he resolve to do ? How did he obtain an 
extensive tract on the Delaware? What and by whom was it named? 1S4. Who was 
William Penn ? Recount his early history. For what was he several times impris- 

6 



122 SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA. [l6G9 

ing the cause of his brethren. Once, while he was undergo- 
ing this punishment, the learned Stillinglieet was sent to con- 
vince him of his errors ; but Penn requested him to tell the 
king that " the Tower (the building in which he was con- 
fined) was to him the worst argmnent in the world". On 
one occasion, a jury was starved two days and nights, to 
force them to comdct him, but msisted on returning a ver- 
dict of acquittal, for which they were fined. At last, weary 
of persecution, Penn, with several others of his persuasion, 
embarked for Holland, that they might extend their doc- 
trmes on the contment. On this mission, Penn made the 
torn* of Germany, preachuig in palace and cottage. Return- 
ing to England and finding all other efforts in behalf of his 
oppressed brethren useless, he became interested in the new 
world in the way that we have seen. 

185. Within the domain granted to Penn a nimiber of 
Swedes and Dutch had already settled. These he had no 
desire to remove ; and, soon after obtaining the grant, he 
sent over a copy of it T\ath a message to the residents that 
he wished not to usurp theii* rights, but intended that they 
should still be governed by laws of their own making. 
Three vessels full of emigrants soon after set sail, with in- 
structions for building a city. Each house was to have a 
large garden attached, so that it might be " a greene coun- 
try town". 

In 1682, Penn himself sailed for the new world with a 
hundred settlers. He had a long and melancholy voyage 
of nine weeks, during which thuty of his companions died 
of small-pox. He was warmly welcomed on his arrival, and, 
saihng up the Delaware, soon reached a place fringed with 
pine trees, where he determined to locate his city. The pre- 
cise spot was fixed in February, 1683. The ground was 

oned ? Give an account of his interview with Stillingfleet. How was a jury that tried 
him once treated? What did persecution at last drive him to do? What was his ob- 
ject on this mission ? 1S5. Who had already settled within the domain granted to 
Penn? What message did he send them? How many vessels sailed soon after? 
What instructions were given to the emigrants? What took place in 1682? Describe 
Penn's voyage. Give an account of the founding of Philadelphia. What does the name 
mean? From wliom was the ground bought? Where did Penn make a treaty with 



1683] PENN's treaty WITH THE INDIANS. 



123 



bought from the Swedes, and the city thus commenced was 
named Philadelphia, brotherly love^ in token of the feehng 
which, it was hoped, would prevail among the inhabitants. 

186. Penn soon af- 
terwards made a me- _^-" 
morable treaty with 
the Indians, under 
an elm in what is 
now called Kensing- 
ton. The tree was 
carefully preserved 
till IS 10, when it was 
blown down dm-ing 
a severe storm. A 
monument has since 
been erected to mark 
the spot. 

Here, beside the 
Delaware, the grave 
chieftains of the 

woods assemble. The old men take their seats in the form 
of a half moon on the groimd, while the younger warriors 
arrange themselves behind in a similar form. The new gov- 
ernor, whose friendly messages and letters have inspired 
them with confidence, comes in the central space before 
them, distinguished from his companions only by the blue 
sash around his waist. " We meet," he says, " on the broad 
pathway of truth and good T^ill. No advantage shall be 
taken on either side, but all shall be openness and love. I 
will not call you children, for parents do sometimes chide 
their children too severely ; nor brothers only, for brothers 
differ. The friendshij) between me and you I wiU not com- 
pare to a chain, for that the rains might rust or the falling 
tree might break. We are the same as if one man's body 
were divided into two parts. "We are all one flesh and one 
blood." 




WILLIAM PENN. 



the Indians ? When was this elm blown down ? How is the spot marked ? Describe 
Penn's meeting with the Indians. What did he tell them ? What reply did they 



124 SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA. [l683 

The Indians trusted his words, and received his presents, 
gi\dng him in return a belt of wampum, the eniblem of 
friendship. " We will Hve," said they, " with Wilham Penn 
and his children in love so long as the moon and the sun 
shall endure," This treaty was never broken. The Red 
Men handed do^^Ti the words of Penn from generation to 
generation ; and, while other white settlements suffered se- 
verely from Indian wars, not a single Quaker is kno^\Ti to 
have been molested by the natives. Penn often visited their 
wigwams, and took part m their sports and exercises. 

187. The only difficulty that disturbed the peace of Penn- 
sylvania was the settlement of the Ime that sej^arated it from 
Maryland. Penn and Baltimore could not agree on a boun- 
dary. The quarrel was carried to England, and there set- 
tled by a grant of half the land between Chesapeake Bay 
and the Delaware to Penn. The present boimdary was 
fixed by two surveyors. Mason and Dixon, in 1761, and is 
often referred to as Mason and Dixon's line. The territory 
now called Delaware was thus at first included in Pennsyl- 
vania, under the name of " the three lower counties" ; but 
afterwards, in consequence of the dissatisfaction of the peo- 
ple, it was made a separate colony. 

188. The government established by Penn was strictly re- 
publican. An Assembly was formed of six members from 
each comity, who held office for a year. All sects were tol- 
erated. Every freeman who beheved in God and abstained 
from labor on the Lord's day, could vote and hold office. 
Parents were required to bring up their children to some 
useful trade. The only crime punishable mth death was 
murder. 

Emigrants arrived in great numbers from Holland, Ger- 
many, and Great Britain. The peaceful colony grew and 
prospered. In August, 1683, Philadeliihia consisted of three 



make? How did the Indians show their regard for it? How did Penn display his 
friendship for them? 1S7. What difficulty disturbed the peace of Pennsylvania? How 
■was the qnarrel settled ? What is meant by Mason and Dixon's line ? What is said of 
the territory now called Delaware? 188. What was the character of Penn's govern- 
ment ? Mention some of its provisions. From what countries did emigrants arrive ? 



1683] CLOSE OF PENn's CAREEK. 125 

or four cottages, and the deer ran among the trees on which 
the surveyor had " blazed out" the courses of the streets. 
In 1685, it contained 600 houses. It grew more in three 
years than New York did in half a century. 

In 1684, Penn left his colony, now firmly estabhshed and 
containing a population of 7,000, for the mother country. 
During his absence difiiculties arose. The Assembly en- 
croached on his rights ; and the rents, which were his only 
remuneration for the expense of planting the colony, were 
appropriated in part to the pubhc service. After trying for 
a time to enforce his authority, Penn yielded to the Assem- 
bly, reserving to himself only the right of veto. 

189. With the fall of James II., who both as Duke of 
York and as king had been a firm fi-iend to Penn, ended the 
favor which the pure and peaceful Quaker had enjoyed. He 
was charged with abandoning his principles and favoring the 
cause of the deposed king. His proprietary rights in Penn- 
sylvania were taken from him ; and, while the colony which 
owed every thing to his wisdom and integrity was growing 
in power and importance, he closed his fife in obscurity and 
gloom. He died encumbered with debt in 1718 ; at which 
time, the population of Philadelphia amounted to about 
10,000. 



CHAPTER XYIII. 

INDIAiq^ HISTOKT. JESUIT MISSIONARIES. 

190. The tribe that received William Penn in the friendly 
manner just described belonged to the Algonquin family, 
and were called Len'-ni Len'-a-pees in their own language, 
and Delawares in English. According to their traditions, 

Describe Philadelphia, as it was in 1683. In 16S5, how many houses did it contain? 
How did its growth compare with that of New York? In 16S4, what did Penn do? 
Wliat difficult-;es arose in his absence ? How were they settled ? 1S9. Throughout his 
whole career, how did James II. conduct himself towards Penn ? On his fall, what 
happened ? What is said of the close of Penn's life ? When did he die ? What was 
the population of Philadelphia at that time? 

190. What tribe was it that received William Penn ? To what family did they be- 
long ? What did their traditions say about their former history ? What did part of 



126 INDIAN HISTORY. [l539 

they had once Hvecl far oif in the northwest, and had nnited 
Tvdth the Iroquois in driving out the mound-builders from the 
valley of the Mississippi. In the fertile region thus acquired 
they lived for a time in peace ; till their hunters, having as- 
cended the mountains on the east, annoimced that great 
streams flowed down from them into a vast salt lake beyond, 
watering a pleasant and unoccupied land. On this, part of 
the Lenapees migrated eastw^ard, and took possession of the 
region traversed by the Susquehanna, the Delaware, and the 
Potomac. Those who remained in the west became known 
at a later day as Illinois. 

Shortly before their interview vrith. Penn, the Delawares 
had been defeated by their former allies, the Iroquois, and 
reduced to so powerless a state that they were called " too- 
inen'''' by their conquerors. But they had never acknow- 
ledged the Iroquois as masters. The renowned Tam^-a- 
nend, the greatest of their warriors and statesmen, was still 
Hving at this time. He was afterwards known as St. Tam^- 
ma-ny, and different associations have since been called by 
his name. 

191. During the establishment of the various European 
settlements, important events were transpiring among the 
Indians of America. Tlie chief of these was the formation 
of the Iroquois confederacy, about the year 1539. It em- 
braced five nations, the Mo '-hawks, Oneidas \o-ni'-daz\^ On- 
ondagas \oin^on-daw' -gaz\^ Cay-u'-gas, and Sen^-e-cas. With 
these the Tuscaroras afterwards united, when they were 
known by the name of " the Six Nations". This confeder- 
acy was the work of a great and wise chief, Hiawatha \he-a- 
wah'-thd\. The Indians regarded him as the special favorite 
of the Great Spirit, and believed that he was taken up to 
heaven in a snow-white canoe amid strains of celestial music. 

The original seat of the Five Nations was in what is now 
the central part of New York. But, after a series of bril- 

the Lenapees do ? What wore those who remained afterwards called ? What had hap- 
pened shortly before the interview of the Delawares with Penn ? Who was still living 
at that time ? What have been named from Taraanend ? 191. What important con- 
federacy was formed about 1589? What nations did it*embrace? Who brought it 
about? What was the belief of the Indians respecting Hiawatha? What was the 






1617] EXPLOKATIONS OF ALLOUEZ. 127 

liant conquests towards the close of the seventeenth century, 
they claimed the whole country from the St. Lawrence to 
the mouth of the Ohio. Their victorious career was for a 
time stopped by the Miamis and Illinois, who \^dth savage 
ferocity drank from the skulls of their slaughtered chiefs, 
and ate the still quivering hearts of their tortm'ed warriors. 
But at last these also were vanquished. Such was the suc- 
cess of the L'oquois that even to remote tribes theu* very 
name became a terror. 

192. We have described the efforts of Eliot to convert 
the Indians of Massachusetts. Some time before, Jesuit mis- 
sionaries had taken the field among the northern and west- 
ern tribes. The Mohawks had been visited m 1617, a mis- 
sion had been established among the Hurons, a college and 
convent had been founded at Quebec, and the standards of 
the Roman Catholic Church and of France had been set up 
at various points from Maine to Lake Huron. 

193. Passing over several who perished in the wilderness 
from accident and hardship, and others who suffered martyr- 
dom m the war between the Hurons and Iroquois, we come 
to Allouez \al-loo-d^\ In 1665, he explored the country about 
Lake Superior, and discovered the Pictured Rocks on the 
southern shore, where the sand-stone, 300 feet high, is worn 
into forms resembling the hoary walls and broken columns 
of an ancient ruin. Here he taught the Chippeways and 
Sioux, and was told by the latter of the Mississippi, or " great 
river". 

194. Marquette \mar-1cet'\ a devoted Jesuit missionary, 
next took the field. After establishing the important station 
of Mack'-i-naw, in northern Michigan [see Map, p. 158], he 
started with Joliet \zhole-ya\ in 1673, to discover the Mis- 
sissippi. Two bark canoes bore their dried meat and corn. 



original seat of the Five Nations ? How far did they extend their conquests ? What 
enemies stopped their victorious career for a time? 192. Among what Indians did 
Eliot labor? Who had taken the field before him? What was done by these early 
Jesuit missionaries ? 193. Who is the first specially mentioned ? Give an account of 
his discoveries. What did he learn from the Sioux ? 194. Who next took the field ? 
What station did he establish ? [See Map, p. 15S.— Between what two lakes is Mack- 
inaw situated ?1 Whom did he take as a companion ? What advice did they receive 



128 JESUIT MISSIONAEIES. [l673 

The Indians they met advised them to give up the journey, 
declaring that they would have to encoimter not only hos- 
tile nations and intense heats, but monsters and demons that 
would certainly destroy them. The zealous Frenchmen, 
however, were not discouraged. Passing through Green 
Bay, they found a village where Allouez had been before. 
The cross he had erected was loaded with bows and arrows, 
skins and belts, hung there as offerings to the Great Spirit. 
They soon struck the Wisconsin, and finally, to their inex- 
pressible joy, reached the Mississippi. Descending the river, 
they held intercourse from time to time with the Indians on 
its banks, whom they found gentle and friendly, though 
brave, and already supplied with arms from the European 
settlements. After reaching the mouth of the Arkansas, 
feasted by the natives at different points with hominy and 
dog-flesh, they retraced their course in safety to Green Bay. 

The zealous Marquette soon after undertook another expe- 
dition, to the Indians of Illinois, whose hearts were won by 
his gentleness and love. While sailing along the eastern 
coast of Lake Michigan, on his return, he went ashore to 
perform a rehgious ceremony. His men waited long for his 
reappearance ; and, on going to seek him, found that he had 
died during his prayers. They buried him near the mouth 
of a stream called from him the Marquette. Years after, 
when the Indian was tossed on the boisterous surface of the 
lake, he would seek to calm the tempest and still the waves 
by calling on the name of the pious missionary. 

195. La Salle \lah sal\ next engaged in explorations in 
the west, under a commission from Louis XIV., of France. 
Though possessed of limited means. La Salle was a man of 
wonderful courage, endurance, and enterprise. With the 
Jesuit Hen'-ne-pin, who wrote an account of his discoveries, 
he started from Fort Fron'-te-nac [see Map, p. 158], in the 

from the Indians? What did they find shortly after leaving Green Bay? What river 
did they finally reach ? How far did they descend it ? What kind of tribes did they find 
on its banks? What other expedition did Marquette undertake? Give an account of 
his death. Years after, what were the Indians in the habit of doing? 195. Who next 
explored the western country? By whom was he commissioned? What was his 
character? Whom did he take as a companion? [See Map, p. 158.— Where is Fort 



|i 



1678J LA SALLE's EXPEDITION. 129 

first sail boat that ever crossed Lake Ontario. After losing 
his vessel, performing a long journey partly overland and 
partly with canoes, building forts and trading-houses, and 
meeting with a variety of romantic adventures, La Salle 
finally returned to Canada. A portion of his company, 
among whom was Hennepin, reached the Mississippi, and 
gave the name of St. Anthony to the falls in the uj^per part 
of that river. In 1681, he again started, and this time 
reached the Mississippi himself After sailing down it to the 
Gulf of Mexico (1682) and taking possession of the country 
for his king, in Avhose honor he named it Louisiana, he re- 
turned, and crossed the ocean to France for fm*ther means. 

He was there intrusted wdth the command of an expedi- 
tion fitted out for the purpose of colonizing Louisiana. At- 
tempting to reach the scene of his former discoveries fi'om 
the south, he was unable to find the great river he had de- 
scended. Li the effort his store-ship was A^TCcked, and there 
was no alternative but to seek the desired spot by land. At 
one time we read of him in Texas, at another in northern 
Mexico. His men sunk under their hardships, and La Salle 
himself became soured and discouraged. " The hidden 
river" was nowhere to be found, and at last he resolved to 
traverse the continent in search of it as far as Canada, and if 
still unsuccessful to return to France for a new outfit. He 
had reached a branch of the Trinity River, in Texas, when 
he was murdered by some of his men, whom repeated disap- 
pointments incited to the crime. But few of La Salle's com- 
pany survived the hardships of this journey to Canada. 
They had left a colony on the Colorado \col-o-rah' -do] ; but 
it was soon destroyed by the Spaniards, who based on this 
conquest a claim to Texas. 

Frontenac? What place now occupies its site?] Give an account of La Salle's first 
expedition. What did some of his companions succeed in doing ? What falls did they 
name? In 16S2, what did La Salle do? In whose honor did he name the country? 
On his return to France, with what was he intrusted ? How did he attempt to reach 
Louisiana ? Eecount his efforts. What resolve did he at last form ? What prevented 
him from carrying it out ? What became of most of his companions ? Where did they 
leave a colony ? What was its fate ? 

6* 



130 NEW YORK UNDER ANDROS. [l66* 



CHAPTER XIX. 

NEW YORK, TO 1689. FRENCH AND IROQUOIS WAR. 

196. Nichols, who took New York from the Dutch in 
1664, acted as governor for three years. Contentmg hmiself 
with extorting large sums of money from the land-owners, 
he neither attempted reforms, nor granted the people any 
greater hberty than they had before enjoyed. In 1667, 
Nichols was succeeded by Lovelace. War soon after broke 
out between England and Holland. An attack was expected 
by the authorities of New York, and the city was put in a 
state of defence. The Dutch made their appearance in the 
harbor, as had been anticipated ; but, instead of attempting 
an assault, they bribed the officer in command of the fort, 
and thus quietly obtained possession of the city and the 
whole province. 

197. By a treaty made in 1674, New York was restored 
to the English, and Sir Edmund An'-dros became its governor 
under a new patent granted to James, Duke of York. One 
of his first acts was to punish the traitor who had admitted 
the Dutch into the city, by ha\4ng his sword broken over his 
head in fi'ont of the City Hall. The new governor tried to 
extend his authority over Connecticut and New Jersey, but 
was firmly resisted and failed in both attempts. The people 
of New York, also, complained loudly of his encroachments 
on their rights and demanded a voice in their own govern- 
ment. The Duke of York, whose instructions had been 
faithfully followed by Andros, at a loss what course to pur- 
sue, applied to William Penn for counsel. This friend of 
popular liberty advised him to abandon his arbitrary meas- 
ures ; and without delay Andros was recalled, and Thomas 

196. Who took New York from the Dutch? How long did he act as governor? 
What is said of his course ? By whom was he succeeded ? What happened during 
the war between England and Holland which soon after broke out? 197. What took 
place in 1674 ? Who became governor of New York ? What was one of his first acts ? 
What did the new governor try to do ? What difficulties did he encounter in New 
York? To whom did the duke apply for counsel? What advice did he receive? 



1683] FRENCH AND IROQUOIS WAR. 131 

Dongan was sent over as governor, with dii'ections to recog- 
nize the authority of the Assembly (1683). 

198. The most important act of Dongan's administration 
was the conclusion of a treaty with the Iroquois. Anticipa- 
ting an invasion by the French, the chiefs of the Mohawks 
and other tribes met the governors of New York and Vir- 
ginia at Albany, and interchanged pledges of friendship. 
They were none too soon; for the next month [August, 
1684], De la Barre [bar], governor of Canada, made a de- 
scent upon their hunting-grounds. Before he encountered 
the Indians, sickness prostrated most of his soldiers. The 
cunnmg Frenchman then sought to make the L'oquois be- 
lieve that he had come merely to smoke the pipe of peace. 
Though they understood the state of the case, the Red Men 
allowed their enemies to depart, and the invaders returned 
m disgrace to Canada. 

De la Barre was superseded by Denonville [du-7iong-veel']. 
The latter proceeded to establish a fort at Niagara, despite 
the remonstrances of the governor of New York. At this 
time (1686), began the conflict between French and Enghsh 
claims which afterwards led to a destructive war. 

199. Instructions were received by the new governor to 
capture as many Indians as he could and send them to 
France. Accordingly a number of Iroquois were enticed 
into a French fOrt, under pretence that a treaty was to be 
made, and were there seized. They were afterwards ^ent to 
Marseilles [tnai^-sdlz'] and consigned to the galleys. A large 
army of Lidians immediately assembled to attack Montreal. 
DenonviUe appeased their fury by complying with their de- 
mands ; and the war would probably have ended had it not 
been for the machinations of a Huron chief. Fearing an 
attack from the Five Nations, if peace should be made, he 
craftily led them to believe that the French were dealing 
treacherously, and had invited him to aid in their destruc- 

What was the consequence ? 198. What was the most important act of Dongan's ad- 
ministration ? Where was this treaty made ? What took' place the next month ? Give 
an account of De la Barrels expedition. By whom was he superseded ? What cause of 
difficulty arose between Denonville and the governor of New York ? 199. What instruc- 
tions did Denonville receive ? How were they carried out ? What did this wanton act 



132 NEW ENGLAND UNDER ANDROS. [l689 

tion. Incensed beyond measure, the Iroquois no longer de- 
layed the invasion of Canada [1689]. They suddenly fell on 
Montreal, laid waste the city, massacred a thousand of the 
inhabitants, and overran a great part of Canada. The French 
in despair blew up Forts Frontenac and Niagara. Their 
power was now nearly extinguished, not a single toTvai re- 
maining in their possession between the St. Lawrence and 
Mackinaw. 






CHAPTER XX. 

NEW ENGLAND UNDER ANDROS AND PHIPPS. 

200. When the Duke of York became Ejng of England 
under the title of James II. [1685], he revoked the charters 
of the northern colonies and made Sir Edmund Andros gov- 
ernor of aU New England. Remembering how he had been 
treated a few years before in New York, Andros determmed 
to carry out to the letter the principles of his despotic master. 
Every right that the people had enjoyed, was now denied 
them, while their taxes were largely increased. The Church 
of England was established contrary to their wishes, and 
meetings of the people, except for the choice of town officers, 
were prohibited. 

201. After dissolving the Assembly of Rhode Island, An- 
dros proceeded to Connecticut and demanded the surrender 
of its charter. Governor Treat remonstrated with him, but 
in vain. The Assembly, then in session at Hartford, engaged 
in an earnest debate on the subject, which was protracted 
till evening ; and the people crowded into the hall to hear 
the discussion and take a last look of the precious parchment 

provoke the Indians to do? Give an account of tbeir invasion of Canada. Upon this 
reverse, what did the French do ? What is said of their power in the new world at this 
time? 

200. What did James IL do on becoming king? What course did Andros pursue? 
Mention some of his offensive measures. 201. What did Andros do in Rhode Island? 
What, in Connecticut ? What took place in the Assembly hall ? Where was the charter 



1687] 



EXPULSION OF ANDROS. 



133 



which lay open on a 
table. Suddenly the 
lights were extin- 
guished, and when 
they were reprodu- 
ced the charter could 
not be found. A pa- 
triot named Wads- 
worth had escaped 
with it through the 
crowd and concealed 
it in the hollow of a 
stately oak. This 
tree was called, in 
commemoration, the 
Charter Oak, and was 
carefully preserved 
the year 1856. Though 
liberties were founded was 




THE CHARTER OAK. 



until overthrown by 

a violent storm in 

the instrument on which their 

thus saved, Andros assumed 



the government. His next step was to supersede Dongan 
in New York. Thus, in 1688, all the English possessions 
north of Pennsylvania were united under one despotic gov- 
ernment. 

This state of things, however, did not last long. In the 
spring of 1689, news reached Boston, where Andros had 
fixed his head-quarters, that James II. was no longer king, 
but had been displaced by WiUiam of Orange. The i^eople 
immediately rose in open revolt. Their former magistrates 
were restored. Andros was arrested, and sent to England 
for trial. Kepresentatives were elected, and it was voted 
that the rights before enjoyed should be resumed. Similar 
movements were made in the other colonies ; and in Con- 
necticut the venerable parchment was drawn iminjured fi'om 
the hollow oak. 

202. The next two years were spent by the people of 



concealed ? What became of this oak ? What was the next step of Andros ? What 
put an end to his authority? After his expulsion, what measures were taken by the 



134 NEW ENGLAND UNDER PHIPPS. [l689 

Massachusetts in trying to obtain a charter from William 
III. They finally succeeded, though the instrument was of 
a totally different character from what they had expected. 
Many of their pri\Tleges were taken away, includuig the 
election of officers, who were thenceforth to be appointed 
by the governor or the crown. The boundaries of the col- 
ony were extended to the St. Lawrence, and an exposed 
frontier was thus added, which it cost much to defend. To 
reconcile the people to .these changes, a native of New Eng- 
land, Sir Wilham Phipps, was appointed governor of Mas- 
sachusetts. He had acquu-ed a large fortune by raising plate, 
jewels, and treasure from the wreck of a Spanish vessel in 
Hispaniola, but, being ignorant and bigoted, he did httle to 
advance the interests of the colony. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

KING WILLIAM'S WAR. 

203. A MUTUAL jealousy had long existed between the 
French and English in America. The former were far infe- 
rior to the latter in nmnber and strength, particularly aftei' 
their disastrous war with the Iroquois. But they had some 
strong posts left, and claimed a vast tract, including Nova 
Scotia, Newfoundland, Labrador, Hudson's Bay, Canada, 
the valley of the Mississippi, and Texas. Their title to these 
extensive regions rested on the explorations of French Jes- 
uits, who had set up the arms of France in various parts of 
the T\dlderness, and acquired great influence with the native 
tribes. 

204. In 1689, while still ignorant of the burning of Mon- 
treal, the French government formally declared war against 

people? 202. In what did the people of Massachusetts spend the next two years? 
Mention some of the provisions of the charter they obtained. How was it sought to 
reconcile the people of New England to these changes? How had Phipps acquired a 
fortune ? What was his character ? 

203. How did the French and English in America feel towards each other ? How did 
they compare in number and strength ? What regions did the French claim ? On what 



1089] RAVAGES OF THE ABENAKIS. 135 

England. Count Frontenac was made governor of Canada, 
with instructions to jorotect the French possessions, to de- 
stroy the EngHsh stations around Hudson's Bay, and to 
make a descent on New York in conjunction with a French 
fleet. On reaching the St. Lawrence and learnmg the losses 
of his countrymen, he found it necessary to alter his plans ; 
and, sending out emissaries, he excited the tribes in alliance 
with France to dig up the tomahawk against the English. 
The Abenakis \ab-e-nak^-eez\ a branch of the Lenni Lenapees 
Hving in Maine [see Map, p. 10], were the first to commence 
hostihties. They had been treacherously dealt with by Eng- 
lish settlers thirteen years before, and rejoiced at this op- 
portunity of revenge. 

Two of their squaws were sent to the house of an aged 
EngUsh magistrate named Waldron, and, pleading fatigue, 
obtained permission to lodge there for the night. Rising 
after the family had retired, they opened the doors to their 
confederates. The savages placed Mr. Waldi'on on a chair 
on his own table, and bade him "judge Lidians" now, as he 
had done before. A number of them owed him money for 
goods. Each, drawing his knife with inhuman barbarity 
across the old man's breast, cried in turn, " Thus I cross out 
my account". At last fainting from loss of blood, the unfor- 
tunate man fell to the floor. The Indians, after burning his 
house and others in the neighborhood, returned to their vil- 
lages with 29 captives. The English settlements on the Pe- 
nobscot and St. John's were attacked in like manner, and in 
a short time the Abenakis recovered the whole of their for- 
mer huntmg-groimds. 

205. Frontenac now resolved to strike a bold blow, in the 
hope of inspiring the Iroquois, the old enemies of his nation, 
with respect for French prowess, and winning them over from 
the side of the EngUsh. Accordingly, in 1690, he fitted out 

did their claim rest? 204. What did the French government do in 16S9? Whom did 
they send out to Canada? What were liis instructions? What made him alter his 
plans ? What means did he take for injuring the English ? Who were the first to com- 
mence hostilities ? What made them rejoice at the opportunity ? Give au account of 
their barbarous murder of Mr. Waldron. How many captives did they carry ofif? What 
English settlements were attacked at the same time by the savages ? 2.05. In 1690, 



136 KING William's war. [i69o 

a force of French and Indians for an attack on the New York 
frontier. A rapid march of twenty-two days brought them 
to the neighborhood of Schenectady [ske-?iec'-ta-de]. About 
an hour before midnight, they entered one of the gates in 
the jDaHsade wall that surrounded the village, and found all 
the inhabitants asleep, even to the sentinel at his post. The 
terrible war-whoop was raised, and the work of massacre 
went on for two hours. Completely taken by surprise, the 
settlers hardly attempted resistance. Some were butchered 
in their beds ; others hid themselves till the flames of their 
burning dwellings drove them on the tomahawks of their 
foes; a few escaped half dressed into the woods in the hope 
of reaching Albany, but were either lost amid the snow or 
suffered incredible hardships. At sunset there had been 
forty well-built houses in this thriving village ; the next 
morning hardly one was standing. About sixty of the in- 
habitants had fallen. 

206. At last the English were roused to a sense of their 
danger; and in 1690, at the suggestion of Massachusetts, 
delegates from all the colonies as far south as Maryland 
assembled in New York. They resolved to fit out two ex- 
peditions for the conquest of Canada, — a land force to invade 
the country by way of Lake Champlain, and a fleet to operate 
against Quebec. The command of the latter was given to 
Sir Wilham Phipps. After taking Port Royal, Phipps sailed 
leisurely up the St. Lawrence. But meanwhile Frontenac 
had received intelligence of his approach through an Lidian 
runner. When Phipps, therefore, arrived before Quebec, he 
found it prepared for the attack. His summons to surrender 
was treated with contempt ; and, as the land force which he 
expected had not arrived, without attempting an assault, he 
reembarked his troops and sailed for home. Violent storms 
shattered his ships ; and, when Phipps returned to Boston, it 
was found that nothing had been gained by the expedition 
but an exhausted treasury. 

what did Frontenac do? Give an account of the attack on Schenectady. How many 
houses were destroyed ? How many of the inhabitants perished ? 206. What did the 
English colonies do in 1690? How many expeditions did they resolve to fit out? To 



1 



1690] HEROISM OF MRS. DUSTIN. 137 

207. King William's War continued to afflict the colonies 
till the peace of Rys'-wick, in 1697. The later movements 
of the French were directed principally against the Iroquois, 
who still remained faithful to the English. Frontenac in- 
vaded their country several times, burned their crojDS, de- 
stroyed their castles, and took a number of prisoners, who 
were cruelly tortured by the " Christian Indians" in his em- 
ploy. The latter, also, made descents from time to time on 
the frontier settlements of the EngUsh. One of these fur- 
nishes a remarkable instance of courage in a feeble woman. 

In March, 1697, a party of Indians attacked a house in 
Haverhill [hd'-ver-il], Mass. [see Map, p. 84]. Its owner, 
Mr. Dustin, was at work in a neighboring field, and before 
he could get home the Indians had dragged his sick Avife 
from her bed and dashed out the brains of her newly born 
infant. Mr. Dustin tried to defend his seven remaining 
children, bidding them run to the woods while he kept the 
Indians off with his gun. The party that had taken Mrs. 
Dustin drove her and her nurse, almost overcome by fatigue 
and cold, several miles beyond Concord, N. H. Here they 
stopped for a time ; but Mrs. Dustin, hearing that she was 
to be taken to a distant village, resolved to escape or die. 
There was a boy in the family of her captor, who had been 
a prisoner for a year. This boy, at her request, asked his 
master the proper mode of striking a blow so as to cause in- 
stant death. The Indian willingly gave the desired informa- 
tion, and also showed hun how to take off a scalp. These 
instructions being communicated to Mrs. Dustin, shortly be- 
fore da^vn she silently awoke the boy and her nurse, and as- 
signed their respective parts. The work was quickly done. 
Ten of the sleeping Indians were killed, one woman escaped, 
and a child was spared. After scalping the savages that she 
might prove her story on her return, Mrs. Dustin armed 
herself with gun and tomahawk, and started for the Merri- 

whom was the command of the naval expedition intrusted ? Give an account of Phipps' 
operations. 207. How long did King William's War afflict the colonies ? Against whom 
were the later movements of the French directed ? How were the Iroquois treated ? 
From whom did the frontier settlements of the English suffer ? Tell the story about 
Mrs, Dustin. [See Map, p. 84.— Where is Haverhill?] 



138 WITCHCKAFT IN NEW ENGLAND. [l69T 

mack with her companions. Having procured a canoe, they 
descended the river, and were soon among then- friends, who 
had mourned them as dead. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

WITCHCEAPT IN NEW ENGLAND. 

208. In 1692, while King WilHam's War was still at its 
height, New England suffered from a strange delusion, which 
originated with a few superstitious ministers and magistrates. 
Some children of Mr. Parris, who was settled over the church 
of Salem (now Danvers), Mass., being affected in an unusual 
manner, then- father fancied that they were bewdtched, and, 
scourged an Indian servant till she confessed that she was a 
witch, and had caused their illness. Cotton Mather, an ec- 
centric but influential minister, took the matter up, and great 
excitement spread through the colony. PubHc prosecutions 
were commenced, and a gallows was erected for the guilty 
at the end of the town. Li June, a jDOor and friendless old 
woman was tried. Convicted on the evidence of her neigh- 
bors, who charged her with being the cause of various mis- 
fortunes that had befallen them, she was forthwith hanged. 
The baldest assertions were blindly credited. Mather him- 
self tells us that the old woman only looked at the spacious 
meeting-house of Salem, and an invisible demon tore down 
a part of it. 

209. Five women, "all of blameless lives," were convicted 
at the next session of the court ; and these, with five others 
afterwards found guilty, were hanged. The ofiicer ordered 
to arrest them refused to assist in what he considered mur- 
der, and was himself seized and executed. The excitement 
became intense. People actually fancied themselves be- 



208. From what did New England suffer in 1692? Where did this delusion origi- 
nate? In whose family? Who took the matter up? What punishment was decided 
on for the guilty? What took place in June? What does Mather tell us about this 
old woman ? 209. Soon after this, how many were hanged on the charge of witchcraft? 



1693] EXECUTION OF TWENTY VICTIMS. 139 

witched, and gave e^ddence against their relations and 
friends. Testimony that would have been excluded in other 
cases was received and acted on. Weak-minded fanatics, 
children, and even those who were known to have perjured 
themselves, were admitted as witnesses. When other means 
failed, the accused were tortured until they acknowledged 
themselves guilty. One young woman was so wrought upon 
as to give evidence agamst her grandfather, but afterwards 
took back what she had said. The judges, while they ac- 
cepted her testimony, rejected her recantation, and sent the 
old man to the gallows. 

Among those hanged in August, was a minister named 
Burroughs [bur'-7'oze], who had denounced the proceedings 
of Mather and his associates, and declared that there was no 
such thing as witchcraft. He made a sj^eech on the scaifold, 
and repeated the Lord's Prayer so aifectingly as to draw 
tears from the spectators. At this moment Mather appeared 
among the crowd on horseback, and quieted the people with 
quotations from Scripture. An old man of eighty, refusing 
to plead because he saw that every trial resulted in convic- 
tion, was barbarously pressed to death. This was followed 
by the execution of eight more unfortunate victims on the 
gallows. Twenty in all had now become martyrs to the 
delusion, while upwards of fifty had been frightened or tor- 
tured into confession. 

210. At last the people began to awake to the horror of 
such scenes. When the legislature of Massachusetts assem- 
bled in October, 1692, numerous petitions for protection 
were presented. Mather, who gloried in these judicial mur- 
ders, had feared this ; and, in a work entitled " The Wonders 
of the Invisible World," he sought to prove that the heinous 
sin of witchcraft really existed among them, and that the 
proper course had been taken to root it out. Not^vithstand- 
ing this, the legislature promptly aboHshed the special court 

What was done to an officer who refused to arrest the accused? Describe the excite- 
ment that prevailed. What story is told of a young woman ? What is said of the exe- 
cution of Burroughs? What was done to an old man of eighty? By what was this 
barbarous execution followed ? How many in all fell victims to the delusion ? 210, 
What step did the people at last take for protection ? How did Mather try to keep up 



140 NEW YORK UNDER LEISLER. [l693 

in which the pretended trials had been conducted. Prose- 
cutions were again attempted ; but the eyes of the people 
were opened, and the accused were acquitted as fast as they 
were tried. The despotic power of a few fanatics was 
broJien ; there was no more hanging or torturing. Most of 
those who had participated in the bloody w^ork afterwards 
confessed their error, but Mather defended his course to the 
last. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

NEW YORK UNDER LEISLER, SLOUGHTER, FLETCHER, AND 
BELLAMONT. CAPTAIN KIDD. 

211. When news of the fall of James II. was received in 
New York, a committee of safety, formed of ten citizens, 
took possession of the fort, and intrusted the government to 
Jacob Leisler [lice^-ler]. His authority was denied by Col. 
Bayard \bi'-ard^ and the magistrates of Albany, who held 
commissions from James II. Having forwarded to King 
William a candid statement of what had been done, Leisler 
sent his son-in-law to demand the submission of Albany. This 
was refused w^ith an open defiance of his power. Bayard 
continued his opposition ; but m a few weeks he fell into 
Leisler's hands, and was consigned to prison. 

Meanwhile the king had appointed Sloughter [slaio'-ter] 
governor, and in 1691 he arrived. Leisler immediately sur- 
rendered the fort, but had no sooner done so than he was 
arrested on a charge of treason. He had ruled nearly two 
years by the authority of the people, and with the silent 
consent of the king ; but he was now in the power of the 
governor's council, of which Bayard was a member, and his 
fate Avas sealed. A court composed of persons whose opin- 

the delusion? What course did the legislature pursue? What was the consequence ? 
What is said of those who had participated in the bloody work? 

211. What took place in New York when the news of Jmnes Second's ftiU was re- 
ceived? Who denied Leisler's authority? What steps did Leisler take for enforcing 
it? How did he treat Bayard ? Whom, meanwhile, had the king made governor? On 



EXECUTION OF LEISLEK. 



1-il 



169l] 

ions were already formed, pronounced him guilty ; and Gov. 
Sloughter, while intoxicated, was persuaded to sign his death- 
warrant. He and [liT^v^^;^ x r-^^z 
his son-in-law were i !; 

led to the gallows 









LEISLEK ON THE GALLOWS. 



in the presence of an immense crowd, who, though over- 
awed by English soldiers, testified with groans and shrieks 
their abhorrence of the execution. Leisler in his dying 
speech maintained that his course had been that of a smcere 
patriot. The people regarded him as a martyr to their cause, 
and saved pieces of his garments as precious relics. During 
the execution, his enemies were drowning the rebukes of 
conscience in A\dne and revelry. 

After making a treaty with the Iroquois at Albany, Slough- 
ter died. He was succeeded by an intemperate tyrant named 
Fletcher. Fletcher employed himself mainly in quarrelling 
with the people, whose rights since the revocation of their 



his arrival, what did Leisler do ? What charge was brought against him ? By whose 
authority had he held the government ? Give an account of his trial. Describe his 



142 CAPTAIN KIDD. [lG98 

charter had been sadly curtailed. In 1698, he gave place to 
the Earl of Bel'-ia-mont, a man of enlightened and liberal 
views. Bellamont's commission gave him authority over 
New York, and the whole of New England except Rhode 
Island and Connecticut. 

212. About this time, a person named William Kidd gain- 
ed a vidde notoriety. Having proved himself an able naval 
officer in the war with France, he was appointed commander 
of a vessel fitted out by private enterprise m England to 
cruise against the pirates in the eastern seas. Not finding 
the voyage as profitable as was expected, Kidd and his men 
turned pirates themselves. After taking many vessels and 
accumulating a large amount of treasure, Kidd ran for the 
West Indies, and there learned that a proclamation had been 
issued against him in England. In spite of this, he ventured 
to return to New York. Fletcher, the old patron of pirates, 
was no longer governor ; and Kidd, after secretly depositing 
part of his treasure and distributmg the balance among his 
crew, proceeded to Boston to meet Bellamont, who was one 
of the projectors of the enterprise. The latter, not satisfied 
with his statements, arrested him, and sent him to London 
for trial. Here, after some delay, granted him in the hope 
that he would implicate those Avho had sent him out, Kidd 
was convicted. He was hanged m chains in May, 1701, pro- 
testing his innocence to the last, and declarmg that he had 
attacked none but French vessels, and consequently violated 
no law, France and England being then at war. 

213. Repeated attempts have been made to find the treas- 
ure supposed to have been buried by Captain Kidd. One 
tradition says that his vessel w^as taken up the Hudson and 
sunk with its valuable cargo at the foot of the Highlands. 
The general opinion, however, points to Long Island Sound 

execution. With whom did Sloughter make a treaty ? By whom was he succeeded ? 
What was Fletcher's character? In what did he mainly employ himself? To whom 
did Fletcher give place ? What was included in Bellamont's charter ? 212. Shortly 
before this, who had become notorious ? What was Kidd's early history ? What led 
liim and his men to turn pirates? After accumulating a large amount of treasure, what 
islands did Kidd make for ? Where did he then go ? What action was taken by Bella- 
mont ? What became of Kidd ? What did he declare to the last ? 213. What attempts 



1 



1690] SOUTH CAROLINA UNDER SOTHEL. 143 

as the place, and a box known to have belonged to the pi- 
rates was actually found on Garduier's Island, contaming ToO 
ounces of gold and 847 ounces of silver, besides other valu- 
ables. The balance of Kidd's ill-gotten gains have been 
diligently sought for by treasure-hunters, but in vain. A 
small island in the Sound, visible from the Connecticut shore, 
is still known as " Kidd's Island". A cave is shown where 
the pirates are said to have slept, and a deep hollow in a 
rock is called " Kidd's punch-bowl". Throughout the whole 
neighborhood, according to the old song, 

"Ever since- the days of Captain Kidd, 
The Yankees think there's money hid." 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

SOUTH CAROLINA FROM 1690 TO 1700. 

214. After Colleton was deposed in South Carolina, Soth^- 
el, one of the proprietaries and a man of the people's choice, 
was appointed governor. Though his administration was 
distinguished by some wise measures, such as the admission 
of Huguenots to the privileges of citizens, it was on the whole 
unsatisfactory ; and, threatened with legal proceedings, Soth- 
el deemed it best to withdraw. His successors tried i»,.vain 
to reconcile the differences between the people and the pro- 
prietaries. It was not tiU 1695, when the government fell 
into the hands of an honest Quaker named Archdale, in 
whom aU parties had confidence, that harmony was restored 
and prosperity revived. Archdale made a treaty with the 
Spaniards of St. Augustine, the sincerity of which was proved 
by mutual acts of kindness. There was now nothing to check 

have been repeatedly made ? Where is it thought the treasure was buried ? What was 
found on Gardiner's Island ? Where is " Kidd's Island" ? What are still shown ? What 
does an old song say? 

214. After Colleton's deposition, who was appointed governor of South Carolina? 
What course did he pursue? Why did he resign? What is said of his successors? 
Who was at last made governor? With whom did he conclude a treaty? What was 



144 FRENCH SETTLEMENTS IN THE SOUTHWEST. [l699 

the growth of the colony. -Scotland and New England both 
contributed emigrants,' w^ho found in the rich soil and genial 
chmate of Carolina all they desired. The Church of England 
was established by law, but other sects were tolerated. 

215. Rice was first raised in 1696, from seed sent to Arch- 
dale from Madagascar. The attempt had been previously 
made, but without success. In 1698, it was first exported, 
16 casks being sent to England. 

The cultivation of cotton in America commenced at James- 
towai, in 1621 ; but, not proving profitable, it was abandoned. 
In 1702, both cotton and silk Avere produced in South Caro- 
lina. The importance of the former was hardly appreciated 
tiU a century later. 



CHAPTER XXy. 

FRENCH SETTLEMENTS IN THE SOUTHWEST. CHICKASAW WAE. 

216. Though La Salle had taken possession of Louisiana 
in behalf of France, the Spanish also claimed it under the 
discoveries of Ponce de Leon and De Soto. Resolved to 
secure a region whose future importance he foresaw, the 
French king, immediately after the peace of Ryswick, sent 
out a company under D'Iberville [de-hare-veeV^ to colonize 
the country. They entered "the hidden river" in 1699. 
Disappointed in what he saw, D'Iberville thought he was 
mistaken in the place, till the Indians brought him a letter 
that had been wi'itten to La SaUe by his lieutenant, which 
they had kept with superstitious awe for thirteen years. He 
founded Biloxi \he-liik' -se\ and in 1700, ascending the river 
to where Natchez now stands, selected a site for a military 

the condition of the colony at this time ? 215. When was rice first raised ? Where did 
the seed come from ? When was it first exported ? When and where was the cultiva- 
tion of cotton commenced ? Where were cotton and silk produced in 1702? How long 
before the importance of cotton was appreciated ? 

216. Who contested the French claim to Louisiana? On what grounds? What steps 
did the French king take to secure the country? When did they enter the Mississippi? 
What did DTberville at first think ? What convinced him that he was in the right spot ? 



irooj THE MISSISSIPPI SCHEME. 145 

station and named it Fort Rosalie [ro-za-le']. Thus was Mis- 
sissippi first settled. 

D'Iberville having died, the king of France in 1 '7 12 grant- 
ed Crozat [cro-zah'] a monopoly of Louisiana for fifteen 
years. Finding no mines and disappomted in the hope 
of increasing his wealth, in five years he surrendered 
the colony to the king, leaving in it only seven hundred 
souls. 

217. The next thing tried for the advancement of French 
interests in Louisiana was the grand Mississippi Scheme. 
John Law, a ruined gambler from Scotland, devised a plan 
for enriching himself and his partners by an indefinite issue 
of paper money. A company was formed in Paris, which 
obtained the sole right of coining money, and of trading with 
Asia, Canada, and the Mississipi^i valley. When the paper 
circulation was over $200,000,000, Law was made Minister 
of Finance. He kept up the value of his bills by ordering 
that any one who sought to exchange Mississippi money for 
silver should forfeit both. It was thought that untold wealth 
would be amassed, and the stock rose to nearly twenty times 
its nominal value. But soon the bubble burst; in May, 
1V20, the notes were worth only ten cents on a dollar and 
the company was bankrupt. Thousands were ruined, and 
Louisiana gained nothing from this grand delusion. 

218. In 1718, more French colonists were sent over; a 
city was laid out mth much ceremony and named New Or- 
leans after the Duke of Orleans, then regent. For several 
years it grew but little ; huts were put up without order 
and the people who had been sent to build a city encamped 
on its borders, as an old historian tells us, "waiting for 
houses". The proprietors of the colony introduced the cul- 
ture of tobacco, indigo, rice, and silk, and opened the lead 
mines of Missouri in their search for silver ; but, finding that 

What places did he found? Who, in 1712, obtained a monopoly of Louisiana? How 
long did he retain it? What was then the population of the colony? 21T. What was 
next tried for promoting French interests in Louisiana? Who originated the Mississippi 
Scheme? Give an account of it. How did it result? 218. What city was laid out in 
1718? After whom was it named ? What was its condition for several years ? What 
did the colonists try to raise ? What mines did they open ? Notwithstanding this, what 

7 



146 THE CHICKASAW WAR. [l739 

they were losing money, they surrendered their privileges 
to the crown. 

Meanwhile the Frenchmen at Fort Rosalie had required 
the high-spirited Natchez, " the children of the sun," to give 
up their ancient city, that it might be turned into a planta- 
tion. Fired by this injustice, and incited by the Chickasaw s, 
the Natchez, in 1729, fell on the fort, and put to death all it 
contained, except the women and children, and two me- 
chanics. Early in the following year, a party of French 
from New Orleans revenged this massacre. The Natchez 
were almost exterminated. Such of the survivors as were 
not sold into slavery m St. Domingo, sought refuge with 
other tribes, and lost their very name. 

219. The French did not forget the part the Chickasaws 
had acted, and in 1736 the. forces of New France were or- 
dered to concentrate in the Chickasaw country. D'Arta- 
guette \dar-ta-gef\ governor of Illinois, with the young and 
accomplished Vincennes \yin-senz'\ descended the river at 
the head of a few French and about a thousand Indians. 
Not daring to wait for the army fi'om New Orleans, on ac- 
count of the impatience of his red allies, D'Artaguette at- 
tacked the foe ; but, after carrying two of their posts, he fell 
mortally wounded in storming a third. The Indians fled, 
leaving the two French leaders in the enemies' hands. Five 
days afterwards, Bienville \he-ang-veeV^ made his appearance 
from below ; but the Chickasaws were now strongly fortified 
by the aid of English traders, and his assaults were repulsed. 
Within three days a retreat was ordered. The invaders 
threw their cannon into the river, and started for home; 
and the Red Men celebrated their victory by burning D'Ar- 
taguette, Vincennes, and the rest of their prisoners, at the 
stake. 

A similar attempt was made by the French in 1739 ; but 

did they find it best to do ? Meanwhile, what had taken place at Fort Eosalie ? How 
did the French revenge this massacre? What became of the few Natchez that sur- 
vived? 219. What tribe had incited the Natchez against the French? How did the 
French seek to punish them? Give the history of D'Artaguette's expedition. 01 
Bienville's. How did the Chickasaws celebrate their victory ? What was the resuH 
of a similar expedition in 17-S9 ? After this, how long did Louisiana remain tranquil ? 



^ 



1739] QUEEN ANNe's WAR. 147 

the loss of many of their soldiers by disease, led them to con- 
clude a peace with the Chickasaws. After this, Louisiana 
remained tranquil till its cession to Spain in 1762. 



CHAPTER XXYI. 

QUEEN ANNE'S WAE. 

220. The peace of Kyswick did not remain long in force. 
Jealous of the increasing power of the Bourbon family, Wil- 
liam in., early in the eighteenth century, declared war 
against France and Spain, which were both at the time 
under Bourbon princes. Dying soon after, William was suc- 
ceeded by Queen Anne, whose name has been given to the 
war which followed. In the new world, hostilities were 
commenced in South Carolina. Gov. Moore attacked the 
Spanish at St. Augustine [see Map, p. 151], in the autumn 
of 1702. He took the toT\Ti without difficulty, but the 
Spanish bravely defended the castle, and sent a messenger 
to the French commander at Mobile to come to their aid. 
Two Spanish vessels soon appeared on the Florida coast, and 
Moore was obhged to abandon his stores and retreat. Un- 
able to pay the expenses thus incurred, the authorities of 
South Carolina issued bills of credit, or paper money. 

221. Another expedition, undertaken scon after against 
the Indian allies of the Spanish and French on Ap-a-lach^-ee 
Bay [see Map, p. 10], was more successful. St. Marks and 
other villages were burned, a number of prisoners were taken, 
and several tribes submitted, and were received under the 
jurisdiction of Carolina. 

222. Inl706, a French fleet from Havana made an attack 



220. How did William III. feel towards the Bourbons ? What did this feeling lead 
him to do ? What is the war called, and why? In the new world, where were hostili 
ties commenced? Give an account of Gov. Moore's expedition. How did the authori- 
ties of S. C. meet its expenses? 221. Against whom was the next expedition under- 
taken? What was its result? [See Map, p. 10. — Where is Apalachee Bay ? What In- 
dians lived north of it ? What tribe, east ? In what direction did the South Carolinians 
have to go, to reach Apalachee Bay?] 222. What movement was made by the French 



148 BURNING OF deerfip:ld. [i70G 

on Gharleston, which was successfully resisted by the people, 
mthout aid from the proprietaries. Three hundred French- 
men were killed or taken prisoners in trying to eflect a land- 
ing, and one of their ships was captured. 

223. In the mean time, the Indians of Maine and 'New 
Hampshire, who were in the interest of the French, after 
lulling the fears of the English by declaring that ' the sun 
was not more distant from the earth than their thoughts 
from war', suddenly fell upon the frontier settlements, made 
a general massacre, and retired beyond the reach of j)ursuit. 
In the course of the winter, they assailed Deerfield, in north- 
ern Massachusetts [see Map, p. 111]. This place was sur- 
rounded by palisades, and guarded nightly by sentinels. On 
the last day of February, 1704, a party of French and In- 
dians, after a toilsome march from Canada on the crust of 
the snow, approached the town. Just before dawn, while 
the sentinels were absent from their posts, they effected an 
entrance, the snow having drifted against the palisades, and 
rendered them useless as a defence. The town was soon in 
flames. Forty-seven of the inhabitants were killed, and 112 
made prisoners. The latter, during the march to Canada, 
suffered intensely from cold and hunger. Not a few sunk 
by the wayside under the accumulated horrors of the jour- 
ney, and welcomed the savage tomahawk which ended their 
sorrows. 



CHAPTER XXYII. 

SETTLEMENT OF GEOKGIA. 

224. The pleasant region west of the Savannah, though 
claimed by England, remained unsettled for years after 
Carolina had become a flourishing colony. At last James 

in 1706? How did it result? 223. By whom were the frontier settlements of the 
English attacked? What village was assailed? [See Map, p. 111.— Near what river is 
Deerfield?] Give an account of the attack on Deerfield. How many of the inhabitants 
were killed and made prisoners ? What befell the latter? 
224. Who was the first to colonize Georgia? For whoso benefit did he do it? In 



173a] 



SETTLEMENT OF GEORGIA. 



149 



Oglethorpe \o'-gel-thorp\ a benevolent member of Parlia- 
ment, who had visited the prisons of the kingdom and 
restored to freedom hundreds of unfortunate men confined 
for debt and small offences, proposed to estabhsh m this 
part of America a colony for the poor and helpless. In 
1732, he obtained a charter from George II., in whose honor 
the new colony was called Geoegia. The next year, Ogle- 
thorpe with his first company of emigrants reached the 
Savannah and selected a site for a city. 




OOLKTHOEPB AND THE MUSCOGEE CUIEF. 



The surroimding region was owned by a small band of 
Muscogees, whose chief received the strangers kindly and 
presented Oglethorpe a buffalo skin adorned on the inside 
with the head and feathers of an eagle. " The feathers of 
the eagle," said he, " are soft and signify love. The buffalo 
skin is warm and is the emblem of protection. Therefore 
love and protect our little famihes." Other Muscogee war- 



what philanthropic movement had Oglethorpe previously engaged? From whom was 
Georgia named ? On what river did Oglethorpe choose a site for his city ? By whom 
was the surrounding region owned? What passed between Oglethorpe and the Mas- 



150 SETTLEMENT OF GEORGIA. [l733 

riors hastened to welcome the English. " The Great Spirit," 
said one, " who dwells everywhere and gives breath to all 
men, has sent the EngUsh to instruct us." Oglethorpe was 
not insensible to their kindness, and sought to repay it by 
sending Moravian missionaries among them. 

225. Early in 1733, the city of Savannah was founded. 
The streets were regularly laid out ; the houses were built 
of uniform size, and surrounded with gardens of fruit and 
vegetables. Encouraged even beyond his expectations, Ogle- 
thorpe returned to England for more emigrants. A com- 
pany of Scottish mountaineers were sent over under his 
auspices, and made a settlement at Darien. The governor 
himself returned in 1736, accompanied by John and Charles 
WesMey. The former came with the determination to con- 
vert the Indians and make Georgia a religious colony ; but 
within two years he returned to England, and subsequently 
became distinguished as one of the founders of the Methodist 
church. Another noted divine, the eloquent Whitefield 
\y)hif-field\ passed some years in the colony, and established 
an orphan asylum at Savannah, where he preached with great 
success. 

226. Feeling the necessity of defences on the south, 
Oglethorpe built a fort on St. Simon's Island, at the mouth 
of the Altamaha [al-ta-marhah'\ and fixed on the St. John's 
River as the southern boundary of the English possessions. 
The Spanish regarded this as an encroachment on their 
territory, and detamed the messengers of the English gov- 
ernor as prisoners. Oglethorpe at once prepared for war. 
His Indian friends hastened to his aid. The lichees marched 
to Savannah in their proudest war-paint, and joined the 
no less vahant bands of Muscogees that had there assem- 



cogee chiefs ? How did Oglethorpe seek to repay their kindness ? 225. In what year 
was Savannah founded ? Describe the city in its infancy. For what did Oglethorpe 
return to England? Wliere did the nest emigrants come from? Where did they 
settle ? Who accompanied Oglethorpe to Georgia in 1T36 ? What church was after- 
wards founded by John Wesley ? What other noted divine passed some years in 
Georgia? Where did Oglethorpe build a fort? [See Map— Where is St. Simon's 
Island ? What place is upon it ? What Indian tribe east of tiie Savannah ? On which 
bank of the Savannah River is Savannah ? Where is Darien ? Where is St. Augustine ? 



1T36] 



DIFFICULTIES WITH THE SPANISH. 



151 



bled. Wise nego- 
tiations, however, 
for a time put an 
end to the diffi- 
culty. 

In 1739, Eng- 
land declared war 
against Spain, and 
Oglethorpe un- 
dertook an expe- 
dition against St. 
Augustine. It fail- 
ed, on account of 
the strength of 
the place and the 
prostration of the 
invaders by sick- 
ness. In 1742, the 
Spanish became 
the assailants, and 
a strong fleet ap- 
peared before St. 

Simon's. Ogle- ' Georgia axp the ticinity in 1740. 

thorpe had but a small force, andVas in danger of being- 
cut off; but by cunningly making his enemies beheve that 
British ships were expected and that an attack was to be 
made on St. Augustine during their absence, he frightened 
them into a retreat. 

227. In 1743, Oglethorpe went back to England, nor did 
he ever revisit his colony. His labors in its behalf had been 
entirely disinterested ; no part of the large grant obtamed 




What Island is near it? What river forms part of the present boundary between 
Georgia and Florida?] What river did Oglethorpe fix on as the boundary between 
Georgia and Florida ? How did the Spanish regard this ? How did they treat the Eng- 
lish messengers? What did Oglethorpe do? Who hastened to his aid? What for a 
time put an end to the difficulty? When was it revived ? In what did Oglethorpe's 
expedition against St. Augustine result? How did the Spaniards retaliate in 1T42? 
How did Oglethorpe save himself? 227. In 1743, what did Oglethorpe do? What evi- 
dence is there that his labors were disinterested? What was the condition of the cole- 



152 KING George's war. [1743 

through his influence did he keep for himself or his family. 
ISTotwithstanding his efforts, the colony had hardly yet be- 
gun to prosper. Excejot in the Moravian settlements, where 
indigo was raised and 10,000 pounds of silk were produced 
annually, but little attention was paid to agriculture. The 
settlers comj^lained of a clause in their charter which pro- 
hibited slavery, and the trustees at length found it expedient 
to disregard the regulations on this subject. Slave labor 
became common, and agriculture began to flourish. In 1752, 
the trustees resigned their charter to the king. The libei-- 
ties of the people were extended ; and, when the cession of 
Florida to the English rendered the frontier secure, nothing 
remained to interfere with the prosperity of Georgia. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

KING GEORGE'S WAR, 1744 TO 1748. 

228. As the new world increased in population, it became 
evident that the conflicting claims of France and England 
would have to be settled by force of arms. No boundary 
Une had yet been drawn between their possessions on the 
north or west. The Enghsh based their claim chiefly on the 
Indian titles which they had purchased. To secure such fur- 
ther rights to the soil as the Indians retained, commissioners 
from Virginia and Maryland, with the governor of Pennsyl- 
vania, met the Iroquois chiefs in 1744 ; and bought, for £200 
in gold and a hke amount in goods, their title to " all lands 
that are or by his majesty's appointment shall he within the 
colony of Virginia". 



ny ? What were produced in the Moravian settlements? What is said of agriculture 
in other parts of the colony ? Of what did the settlers complain ? What did the trust- 
ees find it expedient to do? After this, what is said of the agriculturalinterests of the 
colony ? What took place in 1752 ? 

228. What difficulties arose between the French and English ? On what did the 
English base their claim ? How did they seek to strengthen it? How did the French 



174-4:] 



LOUISBURG ATTACKED. 



153 



The French view- 
ed this movement 
with distrust, and 
lost no time in com- 
mencing hostilities. 
An EngHsh garrison 
at Can '-so, on the 
eastern point of No- 
va Scotia, was cap- 
tured, and eighty 
prisoners were con- 
veyed to Louisburg, 
one of the chief 
strongholds of the 
French in the new 
world. These men 
were afterwards al- 
lowed to return to 
Boston, and the in- 
formation they gave 
respecting the forti- 
fications of Louis- 
burg led the legislature of Massachusetts to undertake an 
expedition against that post. An army of 3,800 men was 
raised, and placed under the command of Sir WiUiam Pep'- 
per-ell. This force consisted of a strange medley. Hunters, 
farmers, mechanics, and clergymen, formed into line by the 
side of well-trained veterans. 

General Pepperell's force soon reached Louisburg, and 
commenced operations by attacking a battery of thirty guns 
on the shore. It was speedily carried. The enemy had 
spiked the cannon to render them useless to their assailants ; 
but a North-amp^-ton gunsmith drilled out the touch-holes. 




CAPE BRETON AND THE ADJACENT PARTS OF NOVA SCOTIA. 



view this movement ? What English post did they attack ? [See Map. — Where is Cape 
Canso? What bay is north of it? What bays does Canso Strait connect? What gulf 
nearly divides Cape Breton ? Where is Louisburg ? What bay is near it ?] What be- 
came of the prisoners taken at Canso ? What did their statements lead the legislature 
of Massachusetts to do ? Describe the force that was raised. How was the place de 

7* 



154 COMMENCEMENT OF WASHINGTON'S CAREER. [1745 

and they were soon playing upon their former masters. The 
efforts of the New Englanders were next directed against 
the fort, which well deserved its reputation for strength. 
Its massive walls were forty feet thick at the base and about 
twenty-five feet high. They were surrounded by a deep 
ditch, eighty feet in width, and were defended by nearly 200 
cannon and a garrison of 1,600 men. After a siege of about 
six weeks, the French surrendered. 

229. The news of this victory was received at Boston with 
public rejoicings. The people felt proud of having struck so 
important a blow without the aid of the mother country. 
They even proposed to follow up their success wdth an inva- 
sion of Canada ; but the British Ministry, un^Wlling to en- 
courage the military power of the colonies, would not co- 
operate with them, and the scheme w^as abandoned. The 
treaty of Aix la Chapelle [ax lah sha-peV~\ put an end to the 
war in 1748. According to its provisions, Louisburg was 
restored to the French, and the brave men of New England 
were thus deprived of the fruits of their valor. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

COMMENCEMENT OF WASHINGTON'S CAREER. 

230. The peace of Aix la Chapelle left the opposing claims 
of France and England in the new world still unsettled. 
While the states of Europe were discussing the terms of this 
treaty, the boy who was to decide many of the questions it 
involved, and to fix the destiny of America, was surveying 
wild lands and running boundary lines in the woods of Vir- 
ginia. This boy was George Washington. 

231. Washington was born at Pope's Creek, West-more '- 

fended? How long did the garrison hold out? 229. Howwas the news of this victory 
received at Boston ? What did the colonists propose to do ? Why did not the British 
Ministry favor the scheme ? What treaty put an end to the war ? When ? By its pro- 
visions, what disposition was made of Louisburg ? 
230. What is said of tiie peace of Aix la Chapelle? Where was Washington born? 



1733] HIS PARENTAGE AND YOUTH. 155 

land County, Virginia, on the 11th of February (the 22d ac- 
cording to the New Style^)^ 1732. He sprung from an an- 
cient family, whose original name was Wes'-syng-ton. Seve- 
ral of his ancestors were prominent at different periods of 
English history, and his great-grandfather, who emigrated to 
America in 1657, had led the forces of Virginia against the 
Indians. His father, Augustine Washuigton, died when he 
was eleven years old ; his mother lived to see him the head 
of a nation. She was a woman of extraordinary powers, and 
to her wise and high-toned iustructions her distinguished son 
owed much of that intellectual and moral excellence which 
has immortalized his name. 

At school, the young George was a general favorite. He 
is described as having an expressive face, a rich complexion, 
a clear blue eye, a winning smile, and an erect, athletic 
figure. His mind was as vigorous as his fi-ame ; and in all 
sports and exercises, as well as the mimic military manoeuvres 
which the young mountaineers made a part of their educa- 
tion, he was an acknowledged leader. So, in his studies he 
was surpassed by none. Books, containing his sums and ex- 
ercises, still preserved, show that care and precision were 
even at this early period marked traits of his character. 

At sixteen, Washington was a proficient in geometry and 
trigonometry. Surveying he had practically applied in the 



* Washington was born on the 11th of February. His birthday is 
celebrated on the 22d, because the date has been reduced to the New 
Style of chronology. To correct an error occasioned by the imperfect 
calendar then prevalent, and make the months correspond with the 
seasons, the British Parliament, in 1751, retrenched eleven days in Sep- 
tember, ordering that the 3d of that month should pass for the 14th. 
Historians, in giving the dates of events prior to that time, have in some 
cases, as in that of "Washington's birthday, conformed them to the New 
Style. 



When ? [See Note.— What is meant by Old and New Style ?] What is said of Wash- 
ington's family ? What have we already learned about his great-grandfather ? How 
old was Washington when his father died ? What is said of his mother ? How was 
the young George regarded at school ? In what terms is he described ? What are still 
preserved? At sixteen, in what was Washington a proficient? Where had he prac- 



156 COMMENCEMENT OF WASHINGTON'S CAREER. [1748 




grounds about his 
school-house. He 
was famihar even 
with its more diffi- 
cult problems, and 
made his calcula- 
tions with ease and 
accuracy. About 
this time, his broth- 
er Lawrence invited 
him to his estate on 
the Potomac, called 
" Mount Vernon," 
in memory of the moitnt vernon. 

English admiral of 

that name. Here George became acquainted with Lord 
Fairfax, an extensive land proprietor, who employed him to 
survey a large tract on the south branch of the Potomac. 
The opportunity thus afforded of perfecting himself in the 
art was not neglected. In this romantic region, the luxuri- 
ance of nature yielded him abundant food for admiration, 
while the wild beast that crossed his path, and the wander- 
ing savage, with his proud paint and gu'dle of scalps, proved 
the depth of the sohtude. A little straw, or a heap of dry 
leaves, by the camp-fire, was his bed at night. He was 
" himself his own cook, having no spit but a forked stick, no 
plate but a large chip". 

232. Li 1749, a company, which included Lawrence and 
Augustine Washington among its members, obtained from 
the Enghsh crown a grant of 500,000 acres on the Ohio. It 
was caUed the Ohio Company, and its objects were to trade 
with the Indians, and settle the country west of the Alle- 
ghanies. But in this the French had a voice. The valley of 
the Ohio had already been visited by their agents, who had 



Used surveying? What invitation was extended to him about this time? With 
•whom did he become acquainted? How did Lord Fairfax employ him? Describe 
the region in which he was thus engaged. 232. In 1749, what company was formed? 
For what did they obtain a grant? What were their objects? Who had a voice in this 



175a] HIS MISSION TO THE FRENCH FOETS. 157 

taken possession of it in the name of their country, and 
sought to make friends and allies of its Indian occupants. 
They had built a fort at Presq' He [pres keel], now Erie, 
and in 1752 showed what course they intended to pursue by 
breaking up a British post on the Miami, and carrying off its 
occupants to Canada. The chief of the Miami confederacy, 
who had bravely defended the Enghsh, was taken prisoner, 
and inhumanly killed and eaten by the savage allies of the 
French. 

Alarmed by these movements, the Shawnees, Delawares, 
and other Ohio Indians, sent the brave Half King to Erie to 
remonstrate with the French commissioners. " You and the 
English are white," said he, " and we Hve in a country be- 
tween you. The land belongs to neither of you. The Great 
Being above allowed it to be a dwelling-place for us." " It 
is my land," answered the haughty Frenchman ; " and I will 
have it, let who will stand up against it." On hearing that 
the Half King's mission had been unsuccessful, the western 
tribes quickly sent ambassadors to the English at CarHsle 
[car-lil€<], Pennsylvania. They were met by the -wise 
Franklin, who conciUated them with gifts and promises of 
protection. 

233. The French had now established posts at Waterford 
and Yenango, in northwestern Pennsylvania ; and Governor 
Din-wid'-die, of Yii'ginia, determined to send a trusty mes- 
senger to the commander to demand the reason of his intru- 
sion on English territory. Washington was selected, at the 
age of twenty-one, for this important mission. Two years 
before, through the influence of Fairfax, he had been appoint- 
ed Adjutant-general. 

On the 31st of October, 1*753, Washington left Williams- 
burg, the capital of Virginia. After twenty-four days of 
diligent and fatiguing travel, he reached the place where 
Pittsburg now stands, and was struck with the military and 



matter? Where had the French built a fort ? What course did they pursue? What 
was done to the Miami chief? Give an account of the interview between the Indian 
ambassador and the French authorities at Erie. What did the Indians next do ? By 
whom were they met at Carlisle ? 233. Where had the French established posts ? [See 



158 COMMENCEMENT OF WASHINGTON'S CAREER. [l753 




VALLEY OF THE OHIO IN 1750. 

(Washington's Route from 'Williamsburg, Ya., to the French forts is denoted thus ) 

commercial advantages of the position. At Logstown he 
held a friendly conference with the Indians, w^ho declaimed 
themselves fii-m friends of his nation ; and thence, wdth the 
Half King and other chiefs, he proceeded to Yenango. Here 
he obtained no satisfaction. The commander boastfully de- 
clared that his nation intended seizing on the whole of the 



Map.— Where were these posts? On what water was Presq' He? Where is the Miami 
River? At the junction of what two rivers is Pittsburg? What place was a few miles 
lower down, on the Ohio?] On what did Gov. Dinwiddie resolve ? Who was selected 
for this mission ? How old was he ? What rank did he hold ? When did Washington 
start? Describe his route. What took place at Logstown? Where did Washington 



1753] HIS RETURN FROM THE FRENCH FORTS. 159 

Ohio valley. No course was left the young ambassador but 
to go on to Waterford ; and this he did through mire and 
swamp, and across rivers rendered almost impassable by the 
rains and snows of December. He found the fort strongly 
defended. Many pine boats and bark canoes were in readi- 
ness for the contemplated expedition in the spring. St. 
Pierre \j)eer\ the commandant of the post, sought not to 
disguise his intentions. He was there, he said, by the orders 
of his general, and according to those orders he should de- 
stroy every English post on the Ohio. Unable to shake his 
resolution, Washington prepared to go back ; but his Indian 
companions had been so wrought upon with threats, flatter- 
ies, and rum, that the Half King alone remained faithful. 
St. Pierre tried every means to detain the Red Men and win 
them over from the English ; it was only by skilful manage- 
ment that Washington baffled his efforts. 

The home journey was full of dangers and difiiculties. 
Intense cold and violent storms set in. The horses havmg 
become disabled, it was found necessary to go afoot, while 
the labor of walking was greatly increased by the deep snow 
with which the ground was covered. The streams were 
swollen, and to cross them amid the drifting ice was toilsome 
and perilous. The life of the youthful hero seems to have 
been preserved almost miraculously. At one time, he was 
fired upon at a distance of fifteen paces by an Indian in am- 
bush ; at another, he was jerked from a rude raft into the 
angry waters of the Alleghany. Yet amid these dangers, he 
was saved for greater things. 

Seldom has so important a mission been intrusted to one 
so young, and never was mission more faithfully performed. 
Washington could not induce the French to abandon their 
claim to the Ohio valley ; but he learned all that his gov- 
ernment wanted to know respecting their designs and the 
strength of the forts he visited. Through deserters from 
New Orleans, he gained much valuable information concern- 
then go ? Give an account of his interview with the French commandants at Venango 
and Waterford. Who had accompanied him ? On preparing to return, what did Wash- 
ington find had been done to his companions? Describe the home journey. What dan- 



160 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. [1754 

ing the French posts on the Mississippi: and during the 
whole expedition he conducted himself mth a discretion and 
gallantry which gave high promise of futui*e usefulness. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

COMMENCEMENT OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 

234. The report of Washington roused the colonists to 
action. In accordance with his recommendation, the Ohio 
company commenced the construction of a fort at the junc- 
tion of the Alleghany and the Monongahela, on the present 
site of Pittsburg ; and Gov. Dinwiddle dispatched a body of 
men to protect the laborers. The death of their colonel on 
the march threw the command into the hands of Washing- 
ton. The progress of the party through the heavy roads of 
the 'vvilderness was necessarily slow ; and, before they had 
performed half the journey, the unfinished work, together 
with thirty-three men engaged on it, was taken by the 
French. The latter went on with the building, and speedily 
erected a strong fortress, which they called Du Quesne [du 
kane^^ after the new governor of Canada. 

This placed the Indian aUies of the English in a critical 
position. The Half King sent an express to Washington, 
imploring him to come to their aid. This he was doing, as 
fast as he could cut roads and drag over them the cannon 
and powder that had been designed for the new fort. On 
some parts of the route, a day's march carried him no more 
than a couple of miles. When T\dthin a short distance of the 
French, he hastily constructed a stockade, to which he gave 
the appropriate name of Fort Necessity, throwing up with 

gers did Washington encounter ? What is said of this mission ? How was it performed ? 
What information did Washington obtain? 

254. What was the effect of Washington's report? Where was a fort commenced? 
What measures were taken for the protection of the laborers ? How were these meas- 
ures defeated ? What did the French do with the unfinished fort ? What was now the 
situation of the Indian allies of the English ? What message did Washington receive ? 
Describe his march. What fort did he build ? Whom did he soon meet ? What was 



175*] WASHINGTON SURPRISES THE FRENCH. 161 

his own hands the first shovelful of earth. This done, he 
continued his march, and soon had the pleasure of meeting 
the faithful Half King. A council is held. The chief an- 
nounces that the French are near at hand in strong force, 
lying in wait for the wearied Virginians. A night attack is 
forthwith concerted. The trail of the enemy is found, and 
leads Washington and his companions, in Indian file, through 
the impenetrable darkness of a rainy night, to a camp con- 
cealed among the rocks, where they are resting in fancied 
security. Suddenly alarmed, the French rush to their guns ; 
but at the instant Washington orders his men to " Fire !" 
and discharges his own musket. Hardly for fifteen minutes 
is the contest protracted. Jumonville [zhoo-mong-veel^^ the 
French leader, is slain, with nine of his comrades, and twenty- 
one prisoners fall into the hands of the English. 

Washington had expected reinforcements, as well from 
the colonies as from the friendly Indians of Ohio. Messen- 
gers were sent to hasten their arrival ; but only one company 
came, and they proved rather an incumbrance than an aid, 
their commander foolishly claiming precedence of the colonial 
leader because he held his commission from the king. With 
anxiety Washington heard that the French were concen- 
trating around him, and at last he fell back on Fort Neces- 
sity. Here his little band was besieged by 600 Frenchmen 
and 100 Indians. After a severe fight, which lasted nine 
hours, the French, though they had gained decided advan- 
tages, proposed a parley, and agreed that Washington and 
his men should march out with the honors of war, retaining 
their stores and baggage. On the evacuation of this post 
(1754), no Enghsh flag waved west of the Alleghanies. 

235. Meanwhile the necessity of united action on the part 
of all the English colonies had become obvious. A meeting 
of delegates from Virginia and every colony north of the 



the result of their interview ? Give an account of the battle. How many were slain 
and captured? Whence had Wa^ington expected reinforcements? How many com- 
panies arrived? What is said of it? What awakened Washington's anxiety ? What 
was he compelled to do ? By how many French and Indians was he besieged ? Give 
an account of the siege and its result. 235. What important meeting was held in 



162 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. [1734: 

Potomac was held at Albany in June, 1754. One of the 
leading objects proposed was to conciliate the Iroquois, who 
had been invited to the council. Many of their chiefs ap- 
peared, including the great Mohawk, Hendrick. While they 
accepted the proffered pledge of peace, the Iroquois braves 
warned the Enghsh of impending dangers, and complained 
of their tardiness in erecting fortifications. The delegates 
promised more vigorous action, and the Indians departed, 
apparently satisfied, but really discouraged by the want of 
energy and promptness displayed by theu' aUies. 

The council now had leisure to discuss the proposed union. 
A plan brought forward by Benjamin Franklin was after 
some debate adopted. By its provisions, a congress was to 
assemble annually at Philadelphia, composed of from two 
to seven delegates from each colony, according to its size. 
This congress was to originate all laws and appomt civil 
officers, to issue money, deal with the Indians, regulate trade, 
govern new settlements, raise soldiers, and levy taxes, — all 
its acts being subject to the veto of a governor-general ap- 
pointed by the crown. Each colony was to have its o^ti 
legislature, and to be independent in its internal affairs. 
Such was the plan of union to be laid before the individual 
colonies for their adoption. 

236. As the author of this important measure comes 
prominently before us, it will be well to glance at his previ- 
ous history. Benjamin Franklin was born at Boston, Janu- 
ary 17th, 1706. His father, a manufacturer of soap and 
candles, wished to give the young Benjamin a liberal educa- 
tion with the view of preparing him for the ministry ; but his 
means failed, and he took his son, at the age of ten, into his 
own establishment, where he employed him in cutting wicks 
and filling candle-moulds. An ardent thirst for knowledge led 
our hero to spend every leisure moment in reading, and even 
to rob himself of sleep that he might con such volumes of trav- 



June, 1754? What was one of its leading objects? Who made their appearance at the 
council? Of what did the Iroquois chiefs complain? How were they partially ap- 
peased ? What next engaged the attention of the council ? Who proposed a plan of 
Uiuon ? What action was taken on it? Mention its chief provisions. 236. When and 



1718] EAELY LIFE OF FRANKLIN. 163 

els and history as fell in his way. At twelve, he was appren- 
ticed to an elder brother, to learn the art of jorinting ; but, 
aggrieved by the harsh treatment of the latter, he resolved 
to leave his native city without the knowledge of his friends, 
and try his fortune among strangers. The sale of his little 
stock of books furnished him ^ith the means of travelling. 
His first stopping-place was New York. Here there w^as no 
encouragement to remain, and he continued his journey to 
Philadelj^hia, which he reached mth a single dollar in his 
pocket. Refreshing himself with a penny roll and a draught 
of water fi'om the Delaware, his first care was to seek em- 
ployment. 

Our young adventurer, now seventeen, succeeded in get- 
ting a situation in one of the two printing-ofiices in Philadel- 
phia, and from this time steadily and rapidly advanced. He 
perfected his knowledge of printing, and learned much oi 
the world, by a residence of eighteen months in London ; 
after which he returned to Philadelphia, gained many new 
friends, and set up a prmting-ofiice of his own. We find 
him every succeeding year extending his influence and trying 
to disseminate information among the people. He founded 
the first circulating library in America, about 1730. In 1732, 
he commenced his celebrated " Poor Richard's Almanac", 
which he continued for twenty-five years. In 1736, he origi- 
nated the American Philosophical Society, and became clerk 
of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania. 

The fame of Franklin was not confined to America. His 
discoveries in electricity gained him the highest . respect 
among the scientific men of Europe. He introduced various 
improvements in the Leyden jar, and was the first to mag- 
netize steel needles and fire gunpowder by electricity. A 
series of observations led him to believe that thunder and 

where was Franklin born ? Give an account of his youth. At twelve, to whom was he 
apprenticed? How was he treated? What did he conclude to do? How did he get 
the means of travelling? Where did he go? What did he do, on arriving at Phila- 
delphia ? How old was he ? What employment did he find ? Where did he after- 
wards go? On his return to Philadelphia, what did he do? In 1730 and 1732 what 
enterprises did he embark in? What did he do in 1736? In what branch of natural 
science was Franklin distinguished ? Enumerate some of his discoveries. What opin- 
ion did he hold with respect to thunder and lightning? Give an account of the exper- 



164 braddock's campaign. [175a 

lightning were nothing more than the report and spark of a 
grand electric discharge from cloud to cloud. Experiment 
only could determine whether he was right. He had often 
amused himself in childhood with paper kites ; he now made 
one of silk and resolved to raise it to the clouds. If the fluid 
passed down the string to his fingers, his theory would be 
correct ; if not, the speculations of years were groundless. 
With his son, to whom alone he intrusted his secret, he 
went out into the fields, in June, 1752, to try the experi- 
ment. The kite was raised, and as it reached a threatening 
cloud the philosopher with anxiety awaited the result. There 
was no sensation. Another cloud came. Frankhn present- 
ed his knuckle, and to his unspeakable joy received a spark. 
When the string was wet, the electric fluid gathered in abun- 
dance. His theory was thus established beyond doubt or 
cavU. The news created a great sensation throughout Eu- 
rope, and the name of Franklin was everywhere spoken with 
admiration. The lightning-rod was the immediate result of 
this discovery ; and who can calculate the disasters this sim- 
ple instrument has averted ? The poet Barlow did not ex- 
aggerate the achievements of Frankhn, when he said, 

" See the descending streams around him burn, 
Glance on his rod, and with his guidance turn ! 
He bids conflicting heavens their blasts expire, 
Curbs the fierce blaze, and holds the imprisoned fire." 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

BKADDOCK'S CAMPAIGN. 

237. Though France and England were nominally at 
peace, war continued to desolate the disputed frontier in 
America. The British ministry at last concluded to aid the 

iment by which he tested his theory. How was the news received in Europe ? What 
was the immediate result of this discovery ? What does the poet Barlow say of Frank- 
lin? 

237. Despite the nominal peace that prevailed between France and England, where 
did war continue to rage? Whom did the British ministry send to the aid of the 



1755] THE MARCH TO FORT DU QUKSNE. 165 

colonies, and early in 1755 sent over General Brad^-dock 
and a detachment from the army in Ireland, for that pm- 
pose. Fom- expeditions were planned ; the most imj^ortant 
of which, that against the French in the Ohio valley, the 
commander-m-chief undertook m person. Fort Du Quesne 
was the first post to be reduced ; thence he would direct his 
victorious arms against Niagara and Frontenac. Conceited 
and obstinate as he was brave, Braddock would Hsten to no 
warnings of danger from Indian ambuscades. The savages 
might be formidable, he said, to raw American militia, but 
could make no impression on the king's regulars. Fort 
Cumberland, at Will's Creek [see Map, p. 158], was soon 
reached; and here Washington jomed the army as aid-de- 
camp [cfid' e kaicmg^l to the general. Horatio Gates also 
arrived with two companies from New York. The whole 
force now amounted to over 2,000 men. A detachment was 
sent forward to open the roads, and early in June, 1755, the 
commander-in-chief started with the main body. A march 
of 130 miles was before them, and they advanced but slowly, 
levelling the hills and bridging the streams that lay in their 
path. The French commandant at the fort received tidings 
of Braddock's advance, and would have retreated had it not 
been for the urgent advice of a single ofiicer. 

238. On the 9th of July, the English army was mthin 
seven miles of Fort Du Quesne, moving in perfect mihtary 
order along the bank of the Mo-non-ga-heMa. Washington 
declares that he never saw any thmg more imposing than 
the march of the army on that bright summer morning. All 
were dressed in full uniform ; their polished arms glanced in 
the sun-light ; every movement was made with perfect pre- 
cision ; and the full strains of martial music, startling the 
wild deer from his lair, broke with strange but striking effect 



colonists ? How many expeditions were planned ? Which did Braddock himself un- 
dertake? What posts did he propose successively reducing? How did he treat the 
warnings of the Americans? To what frontier post did he advance? [See Map, 
p. 158.— Where is Will's Creek ?] Who joined Braddock at this place ? How large 
was his force? When did they start? How did they march? What is said of the 
French commandant? 238. What progress had the English army made by July 9th ? 
What kind of an appearance did they present on the bank of the Monongahela? De- 



166 bkaddock's campaign. [its? 

on the solitude of the forest. The road led up a gradual 
ascent ; and near it, on each side, was a ra\dne ten feet deep, 
concealed by thick woods and underbrush. The army moved 
slowly forward thi'ough a path about twelve feet ^dde. In 
front was a detachment of 350 men under Lieutenant-colonel 
Gage (afterwards General), and a working body 250 strong. 
Braddock was behind with the main body. 

Twice had the French proposed to the Indians to attack 
the invading army on its march, and twice had they refused. 
The commandant was in despair, but one of his officers made 
a final efibrt. " I shall go," said he to the chiefs, " and will 
you suffer your father to go alone ?" The Red Men were at 
last persuaded, and early that same morning on which theii* 
enemies were deploying in military splendor on the bank of 
the Monongahela, a body of 230 Frenchmen and 637 Indians 
started from the fort, both full of confidence, and the latter 
declaring that they would shoot down all the English like a 
single pigeon. 

239. The two ravines • described above, after running 
parallel with the road for some distance, conA^erged till they 
met, and at this point the French encountered the advanced 
guard of the English. Commencing the attack without de- 
lay, they extended their lines down the ravines, and thus 
commanded both flanks of the enemy. Had Colonel Gage 
promptly sent aid to the division first attacked, and repelled 
the foe in front, the issue of the battle might have been dif- 
ferent ; but, while he hesitated, the critical moment passed. 
The advanced body and flank guards were simultaneously 
driven back, and fell in confusion on a regiment that had just 
come up and was endeavoring to form. The appalling war- 
whoop was heard on right and left ; and the well trained 
troops of Britain, who had seen much ser\dce elsewhere but 
none like this, beheld vnih consternation their brave men 
fall thick and fast by shots from an invisible foe. In vain 



scribe the road on which they were marching. Who were in front? Where was Brad- 
dock ? What was taking place all this tinne at Fort Du Quesne ? What did the Indians 
declare? 239. At what point did the French and English meet? What was immedi- 
ately done by the French ? What fatal error was made by Colonel Gage ? What fol- 



1755] THE BATTLE AND ROUT. 167 

they returned the fire, at trees and rocks. In vam their 
gallant officers exhorted them to follow, and clear the adja- 
cent ravines and hills of the lurking enemy. The bewildered 
men would not obey. They fired ^vildly, and even shot their 
own comrades in mistake. 

The Virginia Rangers alone retained their presence of 
mind. Familiar with Indian warfare, each selected a tree 
and fought the savage in his own style. Washington seemed 
everywhere present. The other aids had been early disabled, 
and he alone was left to transmit the orders of his general to 
the difierent parts of the field. Four balls passed through 
his coat, and two horses were shot under him. The Indians 
singled him out specially for death, but in vain. "Some 
mighty Manitou protects him," said a disappointed chief, 
who, with his braves, repeatedly covered him with his mus- 
ket, — and it was even so. 

Braddock had five horses wounded under him, but was 
stiU too proud to retreat before the savages. At last a mus- 
ket-ball j)assed through his lungs. As he was placed on a 
cart, sinking from loss of blood, he faintly asked Washington, 
" What is to be done ?" " We must retreat," was the an- 
swer ; "the regulars will not fight, and the rangers are nearly 
aU killed." The order was given. Frightened, and deaf 
ahke to commands and threats, the regulars broke from their 
ranks and disgracefully fled, leaving their stores and artillery, 
and even the private papers of their general, in the hands of 
the enemy. Never was rout more disastrous. On the side 
of the English, 26 officers fell and 37 were wounded; the 
loss among the privates amounted to 714. The enemy had 
only three officers and 30 men killed, and an equal number 
woimded. 

240. On Washington, whose advice, had it been followed, 
would have saved the army from surprise, now devolved the 
melancholy duty of conducting the retreat, or rather cover- 



lowed ? How did the British regulars behave ? How did the Virginia Rangers conduct 
themselves ? What is said of Washington ? What befell Braddock ? What passed be- 
tween him and Washington, after he was wounded ? Describe the retreat. What was 
the loss on both sides ? 240. Who covered the flight of the surviving British ? Where 



168 EXPEDITIONS OF SHIRLEY AND JOHNSON. [l755 

iug the flight, of the survivors. They reached Will's Creek 
in complete disorder, and filled the garrison mth conster- 
nation. Dunbar, who was in command of the camp, de- 
stroyed the remaining stores and artillery, worth not less 
than £100,000, to facilitate the evacuation of the place. 
Braddock died the fourth day after his defeat. The destruc- 
tion of an army from which so much had been expected ex- 
cited universal horror throughout America. Attempts to 
raise new forces for the defence of the border met, for a 
time, with little success. The French and Indians ravaged 
the Virginia frontier, and escaped beyond the mountains 
before the colony had recovered from its alarm. 

241. The expedition against Niagara imder Gov. Shir'-ley, 
of Massachusetts, accomiDlished nothing. Braddock was to 
have aided in this enterprise, and the news of his defeat, 
added to a series of obstacles, disheartened the army. They 
advanced no further than Oswego, at the southeastern ex- 
tremity of Lake Ontario. After rebuilding the fort at this 
place and garrisoning it mth 700 men, Shirley returned to 
Massachusetts (Oct. 24, 1755). 

242. The third expedition, directed against the French 
fort at Crown Point, had been intrusted to William Johnson. 
With 3,400 men, mostly New England militia, Johnson ad- 
vanced to the southern shore of the beautiful sheet called 
by the Indians Hor'-i-con^ by the French St. Bacrement 
\sang sac-re-mong'\ and named by him, after his king, Lake 
George. Here he waited for stores and artillery, apparently 
in no hurry to prosecute the enterprise. Meanwhile the 
brave Dieskau [de-es-co''] was descending Lake Champlain, 
with about 1,400 Canadians and Indians, for the pm*pose of 
striking an unexpected blow. He intended to surprise Fort 
Edward, which had been recently erected, but, misled by his 
guides, found himself on the way to Johnson's encampment. 
A body of English, sent against the invaders, were repulsed 

did the remnant of the army assemble ? Who commanded there ? What did he do? 
What became of Braddock ? What feeling was excited in the colonies by the news of 
Braddock"s defeat ? Where did the enemy commit depredations ? 241. Give an account 
of the second expedition. Where is Oswego? 242. Against what post was the third 
expedition directed? To whom was it intrusted? How many men were raised? 



1755] 



DIESKAU S DEFEAT. 



169 



(Sept. 8, 1755); and Dies- 
kan, pursuing them vigor- 
ously to their camp, would 
no doubt have defeated 
Johnson's whole army had 
he not been deserted by 
his Indian allies. As it 
was, he was driven back, 
himself mortally wounded. 
A large part of his force 
was cut off, and Johnson, 
who had retired from the 
field early in the engage- 
ment, received the credit 
of a victory wholly due to 
the colonial troops and 
their own gallant officers. 
Instead of following up 
his success, Johnson (after- 
wards made a baronet for 
his victory) allowed the French to intrench themselves 
strongly at Ti-con-de-ro'-ga, and employed himself in erect- 
ing Fort William Henry. On the approach of winter, he 
garrisoned this post with 600 men, and disbanded the rest of 
his army. 

243. The fourth expedition projected by Braddock had in 
view the extension of the British possessions on the north- 
east, and was undertaken by the people of Massachusetts. 
In May, 1755, a strong force sailed from Boston against the 
French forts near the Bay of Fundy. These were speedily 
taken, and their reduction was followed by the subjugation 




^tj^aier ^ 



LAKE GKORGE AND THE VICINITT. 



Where did Johnson encamp ? [See Map. — In what state is Lake George ? What fort 
is at its southern extremity ? What river runs south of it ? What creek at its northern 
extremity ? What larger lake just east of it ?] For what did Johnson wait ? Give an 
account of Dieskau's movements. What took pdace, Sept. 8, 1755? What prevented 
Dieskau from obtaining the victory? . What was his fate, and that of his army ? Who 
received credit for the victory? To whom was it really due? How was Johnson re- 
warded ? What advantage did he allow the French ? [See Map.— Where is Ticonde- 
roga? What mountain near it?] In what did he employ himself? On the approach of 
winter, what did he do? 243. What was the object of the fourth expedition projected 



170 CRUEL TREATMENT OF THE ACADIANS. [l755 

of the whole region between Maine and Nova Scotia, now 
known as New Brunswick. Nova Scotia had been in pos- 
session of the British for some years. It was called A-ca'- 
di-a, and was inhabited chiefly by a simple and happy race 
descended from the original French settlers, few Enghsh col- 
onists having foimd their way to this northern region. Left 
to themselves, the Acadians had prospered greatly, and were 
now in possession of fine farms and abmidant flocks. Cov- 
eting these, the British authorities, made secure by the con- 
quest of New Brunswick, proceeded to deprive the inhabit- 
ants of the fi-uits of their frugality and industry. The 
Acadians were cruelly ordered to leave the province. Seven 
thousand of them were driven on board of ships, and taken 
to the southern colonies. Wherever they went they were 
maltreated and oppressed. " I know not", says Bancroft, " if 
the annals of the human race keep the record of sorrows so 
wantonly inflicted, so bitter and perennial, as fell upon the 
French inhabitants of Acadia." 
244. In May, 1756, war was 
formally declared, after it had 
been raging in the new world 
several years. Montcahn \mont- 
calim!\ a distinguished French 
general, was sent to Canada, 
and commenced a series of 
movements which resulted m 
the capture of Fort Oswego, /--- 
with its garrison of 1,600 men, 
120 cannon, three chests ol 
money, and abundant stores. 
The churches of Three Rivers, 
Montreal, and Quebec were montcalm. 

by Braddock ? By whom waa it undertaken ? In May, 1755, what was done ? What 
posts did they take ? What region did they subjugate ? In whose possession had Nova 
Scotia been ? What was it called ? By whom was it inhabited ? What was their con- 
dition ? What unjust treatment did they receive at the hands of the British authori- 
ties ? How many were driven away ? Where were they taken ? How were they treat- 
ed there? What does Bancroft say of the Acadians? 244. When was war formally 
declared? Whom did the Frtneh governm-ent send to Canada? What place did he 
capture? With Oswego, what fell into Montcalm's hands? Where were the colors of 




1T56] FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 171 

adorned with its colors. Lord Loudoun [low'-du7i]^ the new- 
ly appointed governor-general of the English colonies, had 
arrived shortly before, but he attempted nothing for the re- 
lief of Oswego. The season having been wasted, it soon 
became necessary to provide winter-quarters for his troops ; 
and the colonists, to their chagrin, found themselves obliged 
to support thousands of British soldiers who had not as yet 
struck a blow in their behalf. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR (cOJirTINUED). — CAMPAIGNS OF 

245. During the winter of 1 756-5 V, Fort William Henry 
was occupied by a band of hardy American rangers, who 
defied cold and storms. Among them was John Stark, after- 
wards a successful general in the Revolution. With the aid 
of skates and snow-shoes, several expeditions were under- 
taken against the enemy. An army of 1,500 French and 
Indians from Canada, with dogs to draw their sleighs, and 
bear-skins for their only protection at night, marched 180 
miles for the purpose of surprising the fort, but foimd the 
vigilant garrison on their guard, and returned as they 
came. 

246. In January, 1757, the northern governors met at 
Boston, and determined to raise 4,000 men. Meanwhile 
Loudoun complained to the ministry at home that the colo- 
nies would not tax themselves, and that he could not coerce 
them. This was untrue. The colonies were wiUing to be 
taxed, but wanted, as was natural, to spend the money them- 
selves. They were tired of the imbecility of British officers. 

the captured fort taken? What British general had arrived shortly before? What is 
said of his movements ? What did the colonists find themselves obliged to do ? 

245. How did the garrison of Fort William Henry employ Itself in the winter of 
1756-57 ? What attempt was made by the French ? How did it succeed ? 246. What 
took place in January, 1757 f> What complaint was made by Loudoun ? What was the 



172 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. [l757 

In Jane, lYSV, Loudoun went to Halifax, and collected 
there an army of 10,000 men. He spent most of the sum- 
mer m drillmg them, and then was deterred from attacking 
Louisburg, as he had intended, by the intelligence that the 
French fleet contained one more ship than his own. He 
soon left his parade-ground, and returned to New York. 

247. While the English commander was thus trifling, the 
governor of Canada was drawing the Iroquois and other 
northern Indians into an alliance. A grand army of French 
and savages, with Montcalm at its head, advanced towards 
the forts on the English frontier. Several minor successes 
were gained, and the Indians, always desirous of making 
good their escape when they have struck a blow, were eager 
to return. Montcalm remonstrated with them, and, produ- 
cing the great war-belt of 6,000 shells, which bound them to 
remain tiU the expedition was completed, declared that his 
great object, the reduction of Fort WilHam Henry, was still 
unaccomplished. The Red Men were at last persuaded ; 
and on the 2d of August, IVSY, 6,000 Frenchmen and 1,700 
Indians invested the fort. It was defended by the intrepid 
Col. Monro, with 2,200 men. 

To Montcalm's summons to surrender, Monro returned 
an answer of defiance, hoping for aid from Gen. Webb, who 
lay encamped at Fort Edward, only 14 miles off", with 4,000 
men. Instead of advancing to the rescue, Webb TVTote 
Monro a letter ad^asing him to surrender. Still the gallant 
veteran held out, till his ammunition was nearly exhausted, 
and half his guns had burst. He then felt it his duty to 
capitulate on the honorable terms proposed by the French 
commander. One of the conditions was a safe escort to Fort 
Edward. But, when the retreat commenced, the faithless 
Indians, incited by the hope of plunder, fell on the ill-fated 

true state of the case? What did Loudoun do in June, 1757? Give an account of his 
movements at Halifax. 247. Mean-^\-hile, what was the governor of Canada doing? 
What expedition did he undertake ? What did the Indians want to do ? How did 
Montcalm dissuade them from their purpose ? How many men invested Fort William 
Henry? [See Map, p. 169. Where was Fort William Henry ?] By whom was it de- 
fended ? To whom did Monro look for aid ? What message did he receive from Wehb ? 
How long did he hold out? On what terms did he finally surrender ? What happened 



1757] CAMPAIGN OF 1757. 173 

English. Despite the efforts of Montcalm and his officers, a 
general massacre ensued. Only a part of the army reached 
Fort Edward in safety. AYebb, as long as he was secure in 
his camp, cared little for the honor of his country or the 
safety of his comrades. Loudoun proposed fixing his quar- 
ters on Long Island, and thought that would be a sufficient 
defence for the continent. At the close of 1757, the French 
possessions in America exceeded in extent those of the Eng- 
lish as twenty to one. 

248. In the summer of 1757, the w^eakness of the English 
ministry had become apparent, and Pitt, a man of the j)eo- 
ple, and the wisest of modern statesmen, was intrusted with 
the management of affairs. America was his first care. The 
imbecile Loudoun was recalled. The colonies were request- 
ed to raise troops, with the promise that the exj^ense would 
be refunded ; and their officers were allowed the same rank 
as British officers of then- respective grades. New life was 
infused into every branch of the service. The American 
people had the highest confidence in Pitt, and new armies 
were soon enlisted. 

Three expeditions were projected by the English. Am- 
herst and Wolfe were to besiege Louisburg ; Lord Howe 
and Ab-er-crom'-bie, to attack Crown Point and Ticondero- 
ga ; and Gen. Forbes was to advance upon Fort Du Quesne 
and the Ohio valley. 

249. The first of these expeditions was entirely successful. 
The French commander surrendered the fort, and 5,637 pris- 
oners were sent to England. The British took possession 
of the whole of Cape Bret'-on and Prince Edward's Island. 
Abandoning Louisburg, they made Halifax their capital and 
stronghold in the northeast. 

250. The second expedition was undertaken by the largest 
army that had yet marched through the forests of America. 

on the retreat ? What is said of Webb and Loudoun ? At the close of 1757, how did 
the French and English possessions in America compare in extent? 248. What change 
was made in the British ministry in the summer of 1757 ? What first engaged Pitt's 
attention ? What action did lie take in American affairs ? Enumerate the three expe- 
ditions that were projected. 2-t9. What was the result of the first expedition ? 250. What 
is said of the army engaged in the second expedition ? How many men embarked for 

4* 



174 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. [lT58 

On the 5tli of Jul}-, 1758, 9,000 provincial troops and 6,000 
British regulars embarked in a thousand boats on the shore 
of Lake George, for the strong French fort at Ticonderoga, 
held by Montcalm with about 3,600 men. The young and 
popular Howe was unfortunately killed in an encounter with 
a party of French just as he reached the scene of action, and 
the sole command thus devolved on the incompetent Aber- 
crombie. An attack on the French lines was unT\dsely or- 
dered before the artillery had been brought into action. It 
was conducted with unsurpassed intrepidity, but as bravely 
repulsed by Montcalm, who had every advantage of position. 
The English army lost nearly 2,000 in killed and wounded ; 
and Abercrombie, who had taken care to keep out of danger 
during the assault, retreated to the head of the lake, and 
sent his artillery and stores to Albany. Nothing was effect- 
ed during the remainder of the campaign but the capture 
and destruction of Fort Frontenac and some armed vessels 
on Lake Ontario, by a detachment under Gen. Bradstreet. 

251. The third expedition owed its success solely to Wash- 
ington. Contrary to his advice, General Forbes, instead of 
following Braddock's route, commenced a new road to Fort 
Du Quesne. His progress was slow, and 300 of his men 
were cut off by an ambuscade. On this, it was resolved to 
abandon the expedition for the season ; but Washington, 
having satisfied himself of the weakness of the fort by the 
accounts of deserters, obtained the general's permission to 
proceed against it alone with his Virginia Rangers. The 
French, on his approach, set fire to the works, and fled down 
the Ohio. Washington raised his country's flag over the 
smoking ruins (Nov. 25, 1758), and changed the name of the 
place to Pittsburg, in honor of the great Pitt. Intrusting 
its defence to a company of his rangers, he returned to his 
native state, already illustrious by his achievements, though 

Ticonderoga? By whom was this post held? What befell Lord Howe? On whom 
did the sole command then devolve ? Give an account of Abercrombie's operations. 
What was their result? Wliat was the British loss? What was Abcrcrombie's next 
movement ? What was effected during the remainder of the campaign ? 251. To whom 
is the success of the third expedition attributable ? What course was pursued by Gen. 
Forbes? What was the advice of Washington ? How was the fort finally taken ? What 



1758J CAMPAIGN OF 1759. 175 

not yet twenty-seven years of age. He was received mth 
distinguished honor, and elected to the House of Burgesses, 
where he commenced his career as a statesman. Meanwhile 
Abercrombie was recalled, and General Amherst was ap- 
pointed commander-in-chief of the army and governor of 
Virginia. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

FRENCH AND INDIAN T^AR (CONTINUED). CAMPAIGNS OF 

1759-1760. 

252. AxiYE to the importance of prosecuting the war in 
the new world with vigor, Pitt zealously prepared for the 
campaign of 1759. A well-digested plan of operations was 
arranged, which there seemed little prospect that Montcalm, 
left unsupported by the French government, his province 
already exhausted of men and resources, could successfully 
oppose. Gen. Stanwix was ordered to reduce the country 
between Pittsburg and Lake Erie ; Prideaux Q^^^e-Jo'], to 
take Niagara. Ticonderoga was assigned to Gen. Amherst ; 
and Wolfe [wool/] was to attack Quebec. The first two of 
these expeditions were successful, though at the siege of Ni- 
agara Prideaux was killed. On the approach of Amherst, 
the French abandoned Ticonderoga and descended Lake 
Champlam. It was expected that the commander would 
then march to the north and aid in reducing Canada ; but, 
delaying, unnecessarily, he left this difficult enterprise en- 
tirely to the intrepid Wolfe. 

253. The strength of Quebec was weU kno^Ti, and a 
powerful armament assembled at Louisburg for its attack. 
Twenty-two ships-of-the-line and an equal number of smaller 
vessels, containing 8,000 men and a vast amount of stores 

followed ? Where did Washington then go ? How was he received and rewarded ? 
What change was made in the command of the British army? 

252. What was the plan of operations for 1759, on the part of the British? What 
was Montcalm's condition ? What was the result of the first expedition ? What, of the 
second? What, of the third? 253. Where did the force intended for Quebec assem- 



176 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. [l759 

and ammunition, reached the Isle of Orleans, opposite Que- 
bec, on the 26th of June, 1759 [see Map, p. 216]. Opposed 
to this powerful array was the reno^Tied Montcalm, in a 
fortress deemed impregnable, with a force superior in num- 
ber to the EngUsh, though no match for them in spirit or 
discipline. 

After reconnoitring the harbor, and erecting a battery at 
Point Le\a, opposite the city, which destroyed the lower 
to'wn, though unable to reach the citadel, Wolfe chose and 
fortified a position on the east bank of the Montmorenci 
[mont-mo-ren'-se]. A continuous ledge of rocks, defended 
by batteries on every side, guarded Montcalm's intrench- 
ments. The only practicable point of attack appeared to be 
the French camp on the opposite side of the Montmorenci. 
A violent assault was made, but the EngUsh were repulsed 
with the loss of 400 men. 

The months of July and August passed, and still nothing 
was accomplished. Left unsupported through the culpable 
inactivity of Amherst, Wolfe fomid his most strenuous efforts 
baffled by the strength of the fortress and the vigilance of 
its commander. Aware that the eyes of the whole Enghsh 
people were upon him, and thirsting for military glory, he 
resolved that the season should not pass without a decisive 
conflict. Three desperate plans of assault he submitted to 
his council of ofiicers, but all were rejected. As a last re- 
sort, it was .proposed to effect a landing above the city, and 
by ascendmg to the Plains of Abraham to force Montcalm 
to an engagement. A close inspection of the side of the 
cliff revealed a narrow path, which seemed, from the tents 
on the top, to be guarded by no more than a hundred men. 
If these could be surj^rised, the whole army might ascend in 
safety. The undertaking was desperate ; but there was a 

ble? Of how many men and ships did it consist? When did they reach the scene of 
action ? [See Map, p. 216. — How is Quebec situated ? In what direction from it is 
Point Levi?] Describe Montcalm's position. What were Wolfe's first movements? 
How were the French intrenchments defended? Give an account of the first attack. 
By what were Wolfe's efforte baffled? What resolve did he form ? How many plans 
of assault did he submit? What was proposed, as a last resort? What means was 
there of ascending the cHff? How was it guarded? What night was fixed upon for 



1759] 



WOLFE S ATTACK ON QUEBEC. 



177 



chance of success, and for a brave man like Wolfe this was 
enough. 

The plan was carefully kept secret, and the night follow- 
ing September 13th was set apart for carrying it into execu- 
tion. An horn* after midnight, the English forces floated 
down with the tide to the appointed spot. Having silently 
landed, they commenced the diiSicult ascent, supporting them- 




wolfe's akmt ascending to the plains 
of abraham. 



selves by the boughs and shrubs that skirted the narrow path. 
The Canadian guai'd on the summit gave way after a few 
shots; the road to Quebec was gained; and, when day 



the attack ? Give an account of the landins 

8* 



What followed ? 254. How did Mont- 



178 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. [l759 

dawned, Wolfe and his army, inspirited by their success, 
stood on the Plains of Abraham. 

254. Montcalm could hardly believe the tidings, yet has- 
tened to meet the enemy, summoning to his support the de- 
tachments stationed at different points to guard the heights. 
He had but 2,000 regulars; the rest of his army consisted of 
brave but inexperienced Canadians. The French general 
began the attack. His charge was gallantly received by the 
English, who reserved their fire till his men were within 40 
yards. Before their deadly discharge, the undiscijDlined 
Canadians gave way in confusion, and all Montcalm's efforts 
could not rally them. At this critical point, Wolfe decided 
the fortune of the day by a well-timed charge with the bay- 
onet. The French on all sides fled. At the moment of vic- 
tory, Wolfe, already twice wounded, received a third ball in 
his breast. An officer stood. near". "Support me," cried 
Wolfe, " let not my brave fellows see me drop." He was 
carried to the rear ; it was plain that his last hour had come. 
" They run ! they run !" exclaimed the officer who support- 
ed him. "Who run?" asked Wolfe, awaking from the leth- 
argy of death. " The French — they give way everywhere." 
The spirit of the hero was roused as he gave his last com- 
mands; then sinking back, he exclaimed, "Now, God be 
praised, I die happy !" And so he perished, ha\^ng gained 
the proudest victory yet won by English arms in the new 
world. 

Montcalm, who had conducted himself ^dth equal gallan- 
try, met with a fate hardly less glorious. Everyr^here present 
in the thickest of the fight, he did all that mortal could do to 
redeem the day ; but for once fortune deserted him. T^^dce 
he was wounded, the last time mortally. " Death is certain," 
said the surgeon, "you have but ten or twelve hours to 
live." " I am glad to hear it," gasped Montcalm ; " I shall 
not hve to see the surrender of Quebec." He died the 



calm receive the news ? Of what did his army consist ? Give an account of Montcalm's 
charge. How did Wolfe decide the fortune of the day? What took place at the mo- 
ment of victory ? Describe Wolfe's death-scene. How did Montcalm conduct himself? 
What befell him ? What appeal did he make to the English commander ? What marks 



1759] 



CAMPAIGN OF 1760. 



179 




next morning, after hav- 
ing written to the Eng- 
lish commander, to soUcit 
his clemency towards the 
French prisoners. A mon- 
mnent raised by the Eng- 
lish and generously in- 
scribed with the names 
of both leaders, marks 
the scene of this great 
battle. 

255. Montcalm in his 
last hom-s suggested to 
his successor the concen- 
tration of the French forces and a vigorous attack on the 
English before they should intrench themselves. But 
he left behind him no one able or willing to make the at- 
tempt. On the iTth of September, Quebec surrendered. 
The news was received with exultation throughout England 
and America. The remains of the French army assembled 
at Montreal. Early in the following year they attempted to 
recapture Quebec ; but, after gaining some advantages, they 
were obliged to retire before a British fleet sent by Pitt to 
the relief of the city. 

256. On the Vth of September, 1760, Amherst, having 
united his forces to complete the reduction of New France, 
appeared before Montreal. The officer in command imme- 
diately surrendered not only the city itself, but the whole of 
Canada, together with Detroit and Mackinaw. 

257. Meanwhile, difficulties had arisen in the south with 
the Cherokees [see Map, p. 10]. They had been faithful 
friends and allies of the Enghsh, and would have so continued 
had it not been for the course of Governor Lyttleton of South 

the scene of this great battle ? 255. What suggestion was made by Montcalm to his 
successor ? Why was it not acted on ? When did Quebec surrender ? How was the 
news received in England and America? Where did the remains of the French army 
assemble? What did they attempt the next year ? With what success did they meet ? 
256. What movement was made by Amherst in the fall of 1760 ? 257. Meanwhile, where 
had difficulties arisen? [See Map, p. 10.— Where did the Cherokees live?] How were 



180 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. [l759 

Carolina. By unjustly imprisoning some of their chiefs, who 
had come at his own invitation to explain misunderstandings 
and ratify a firmer friendship, he excited the indignation of 
the outraged Red Men, and brought on an Indian war with 
all its horrors. 

In April, 1160, Colonel Montgomery, with 1,900 men, 
among whom were those gallant sons of Carolina, Moultrie 
[7nole'-tr]/]^ and Mar^-i-on, was sent against the Cherokees. 
After pillaging and burning a number of their villages, 
Montgomery was led into an ambuscade, by which twenty 
of his men were cut off, and he himself was so alarmed that 
he beat a precipitate retreat. Fort Loudoun, a frontier 
stronghold, which was besieged by the Indians but had held 
out in the hope of relief from Montgomery, soon capitulated. 
Twenty-three privates and four officers were killed, in retali- 
ation for a similar number of murders by the English ; and 
the rest, nearly two hundred in number, were distributed as 
slaves among the various tribes. 

An anecdote illustrating the strength of Indian fnendship 
is worthy of relation here. Among the prisoners taken at 
Fort Loudoun, was a trader named Stuart, to whom a chief 
called Little Carpenter was strongly attached. After giving 
all he possessed to ransom his friend and finding there was 
still danger, the faithful Cherokee took Stuart into the woods 
as if for the purpose of hunting, and led him for nine days 
through mountain forests till he found Enghshmen to whom 
he could deliver him in safety. 

Montgomery had seen enough of Indian warfare ; and, 
despite the remonstrances of the Carolinians, he set sail for 
the north, and thence for England. He afterwards had a 
seat in Parliament, where he showed himself an enemy to 
both Hberty and America. 

these troubles occasioned ? What was done in April, 1T60? Give an account of Mont- 
gomery's expedition. What was the fate of Fort Loudoun and its garrison ? What story 
is told, to illustrate the strength of Indian friendship? What was Montgomery's next 
movement? In what body did ho afterwards appear? 



1763] PONTIAC'S WAK. 181 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

PONTIAC'S WAK. 

258. Engla^o) and France, having exhausted theii* re- 
sources, concluded a peace at Paris, February 10, 1763. 
England had lost thousands of brave men and added 
£50,000,000 to her national debt ; but she had gained much 
in the new world. Xearly the whole of Xorth America was 
now in her possession. Her sway extended from the frozen 
north to Florida, and from ocean to ocean. 

259. When the Enghsh began to follow up their victories 
in Canada by takmg possession of the French posts in the 
west, the Indians regarded them with aversion and alarm. 
These feelmgs were heightened by the injustice and contempt 
with which they were too often treated. At last Pontiac, a 
brave and eloquent Ottawa, who, Tvith his northern braves, 
had contributed to the defeat of Braddock, effected in 1763 
a union between his own people, the Chippeways, Miamis, 
Shawnees, Delawares, and other tribes, for the extermination 
of the Enghsh throughout the whole western country. The 
plot was kept secret, and no suspicion of danger was enter- 
tained. Trader, farmer, and soldier had alike laid aside their 
arms, in the fond belief that war had ceased. Their security 
proved fatal. Prowling savages gathered round the forts and 
settlements. A sunultaneous attack was made, and nine 
British garrisons were surprised ui a single day. More than 
a hundred traders were massacred, and 20,000 persons in 
western Virgmia were driven from their homes by fear of 
the scalping-knife. 

260. At Mackinaw, a number of warriors miited m an 
exciting game of ball, while the garrison lounged about T\dt- 



258. Where and when was peace made between England and France? What had 
England lost and gained by the war ? 259. How did the western Indians feel towards 
the English ? How was their dislike heightened ? Who formed a combination for ex- 
terminating the English ? In what year ? Who was Pontiac ? [See Map, p. 10.— Where 
did the Ottawas live?] What was the state of things at the English posts? Give an 
account of the massacre. What took place in Western Virginia? 260. What took place 



182 PONTIAC'S WAR. [l763 

nessing the sport. Suddenly the commander was seized ; a 
rush was made for the fort, where hatchets and other weap- 
ons had been concealed by treacherous squaws, and in an 
instant seventeen persons were cut down. The rest were 
made prisoners. The French traders alone escaped. Pitts- 
burg was besieged, but saved by the timely arrival of aid. 

261. Pontiac undertook the capture of Detroit in person. 
At this spot a flourishing settlement had grown up, consist- 
ing chiefly of French families occupied in tilling the ground 
and trading ^^ith the surrounding Indians. To obtain en- 
trance into the fort for himself and his warriors, the Ottawa 
chief suggested a council for "brightening the chain of 
friendship". Unsuspicious of treason. Major Gladwin, the 
commandant, agreed to his proposal. At a given signal the 
chiefs were to fall on him and his attendants, while a general 
attack was to be made by their confederates on such of the 
towns-people as might resist. Fortunately, the night before 
the intended massacre, an Indian woman brought Gladwin a 
pair of elk-skin moccasins, which she had made for him. 
Pleased with their appearance, the major ordered another 
pair ; but the woman was unwilling to deceive him by prom- 
ising what she supposed could not be performed. Her hesi- 
tation attracted attention, and, on being questioned, she dis- 
closed the plot. Accordingly, at the council Gladwin and 
his men were on their guard. Pontiac saw that his intended 
treachery was known, and dared not give the signal. He 
was allowed to depart with an indignant rebuke from the 
commander; and the next day but one (May 9, 1763), he 
returned the favor by laying siege to the fort. 

For months the garrison sufiered. Their provisions ran 
out, and their sentinels were in constant danger of being 
cut off by Lidian cunning. It is said that the savages 
boiled and ate some of their victims. No quarter was 
shown on either side. But the Indians were unused to the 



at Mackinaw? What, at Pittsburg? 261. What place did Pontiac undertake to capture 
in person? What is said of Detroit? How did Pontiac obtain entrance into the fort? 
What treacherous plot had he laid ? How was it defeated ? What took place at the 
council? What was done May 9, 1763? Give an account of the siege. Towards the 



1763] PROPOSALS OF PEACE ACCEPTED. 183 

labor involved in a siege, and before the close of the summer 
Pontiac found his forces diminishing. Jealousies broke out 
among the different nations, and finally the desertion of all 
but his ovm. tribe compelled the great emperor of the west 
to give up the undertaking. He had sho"v\Ti extraordinary 
ability in the management of the war, and had even estab- 
lished a bank, — the first known among the aborigines. His 
notes, which were always pimctually paid, consisted of pieces 
of bark containing the figure of what he wanted to buy, and 
the picture of an otter, which he had adopted as his hiero- 
glyphic signature. No chief before him had possessed such 
influence with the western tribes or succeeded so well in se- 
curing their united action. 

262. The Indians were now for the most part tired of war, 
and willingly hstened to the proposals of General Bradstreet, 
who had been sent to the west with 1,100 men, to attack 
them or treat with them, as might be required. In June, 
1764, he made a treaty with twenty-two tribes at Niagara. 
The following August he reached Detroit, and concluded a 
jDcace T\dth all the hostile nations except the Delawares and 
Sha^\Tiees. Pontiac, to avoid signing the treaty, retired to 
the hunting-grounds of the Illinois. There he attempted to 
raise another confederacy for the same purpose as before. 
He was at last stabbed at a council, amid a crowd of chief- 
tains whom he was trying to excite to war, by a Peoria In- 
dian in the interest of the EngUsh. 

close of the summer, what did Pontiac find? What obliged him to raise the siege? 
How had it been conducted ? Give an account of Pontiac's bank. 262. In 1764, who 
was sent to the west? For what purpose? How did the Indians feel ? What was done 
at Niagara? What, at Detroit? How did Pontiac avoid signing the treaty? What 
became of him ? 



184 STATE OF SOCIETY IN THE COLONIES. [l760 



CHAPTER XXXY. 

STATE OF SOCIETY IN THE COLONIES. 

, 263. The English colonies in America were originally con- 
' fined to the region east of the AUeghanies. At the close of 
the " French and Indian War", a few adventurous pioneers 
pushed across the mountains and commenced settling in the 
rich valleys of the great western rivers. Educated in the 
school of hardship and accustomed to rely upon themselves, 
they were well fitted to struggle with the difiiculties encoun- 
tered in the wilderness, and to make it blossom like the rose. 
Active, enterprising, and industrious, they were not long in 
spreading out over the fruitful region whose vast extent and 
exhaustless resources were even yet hardly appreciated. 

The whole population of the thii'teen colonies in 1760 is 
estimated at 1,700,000. Massachusetts and Pennsylvania 
were the most populous. There were nearly 300,000 negroes 
in the colonies. They were for the most part slaves, and 
were distributed about as follows: in New England, 15,000; 
in the Middle Colonies, 80,000 ; in the Southern Colonies, 
210,000. 

264. The most populous cities in America at this time were 
Boston and Philadelphia, each of which, in 1753, contained 
not far from 18,000 inhabitants. The population of New 
York was about 12,000. The first church in the latter city 
had been erected by the Dutch inside of the Ibrt. Trinity 
Church was built in 1696 on its present site. The houses 
were not numbered before the Revolution. The price of 
articles of food was regulated by law, that of beef being fixed 
at 4 J pence a pound. The great coal mines of America had 

263. To what region were the English colonies first confined ? What was done at the 
close of the French and Indian war ? What was the character of these pioneers ? What 
is the population of the thirteen colonies estimated to have been in 1760? What states 
were the most populous ? How many negroes were there and how distributed ? 264. 
What were the most populous cities in America at this time? How many inhabitants 
did they contain in 1753? What was the population of New York ? What is said of 
the churches of New York? What, of the prices of food? What, of the fuel in use? 



L770] 



EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES. 



185 



not yet been opened, and wood was the only kind of fuel 
in use. 

Albany was occupied by the descendants of old Dutch 
settlers, who were noted for their hospitality. A Swedish 
traveller tells us that the people had seats on the stoops of 
their dwellings, Avhich in the evening were filled with young- 
people, and that passers by were " obliged to greet every- 
body unless they would shock the politeness of this town". 




SCENE IN ALBANY IN 1770. 

265. Previous to the Revolution, nine colleges had been 
established in the colonies, in the follo^\dng order : Harvard, 
Wilham and Mary, Yale, Princeton, Columbia (originally 
called King's), Brown, Rutgers (then Queen's), Dartmouth, 
Hampden and Sydney. The first medical college was founded 
at Philadelphia in 1764. The yoimg people of these early times 
were far from having the educational advantages enjoyed at 
the present day. There were no public schools, and often 
in large districts no schools of any kind for the greater part 

By whom was Albany occupied ? What does a Swedish traveller say about this place ? 
265. Name, in their coder, the colleges established before the Kevolution. When and 
where was the firet medical college founded V What is said of the educational ad van 



186 STATE OF SOCIETY IN THE COLONIES. [1754 

of the year. Public libraries were almost unknown. There 
was a small collection of books in the City Hall of New York, 
which were lent out to readers at 4i pence a week. In 1*754, 
a subscription was started, which resulted in the establish- 
ment of the New York Society Library. 

In 1700, there were but four printing-presses in the colo- 
nies. The first American newspaper, the Boston News Let- 
ter, was issued in 1704. In 1741, Franklin published the 
first magazine, at Philadelphia. In 1750, there were only 
seven newspapers in circulation, and no daily was attempted 
till 42 years afterwards, when the Federal Orrery was com- 
menced at Boston. Few books were pubhshed before the 
Revolution, and these were principally histories, rehgious 
treatises, or pohtical essays. No great poem or work of fic- 
tion had yet been produced in America. 

266. Manufactures at an early period engaged the atten- 
tion of the colonists, especially at the north. What they 
needed for their own comfort was readily supplied, and they 
soon commenced producing different articles for export. 
Iron, hides, leather, and hats, were sent over to the old world, 
with considerable profit, till the government, fearing the ef- 
fect of this competition on manufacturing industry at home, 
discouraged their exportation. This was the case particu- 
larly T\dth hats, which the people of New England produced 
in such quantities, that we are told, if not restrained, they 
would soon have supplied the world with them. 

With equal disregard for the interests of the colonies, the 
British government had sought to stifle with various restric- 
tions the spirit of commercial enterprise in America. A 
brisk coast trade, however, was carried on. The fisheries 
were not neglected ; and the bold seamen of New England 



tages afforded in these early times? What is said of public libraries? What two are 
mentioned in New York? In 1700, how many printing-presses were in the colonies? 
When was the first American newspaper issued? When, the first magazine ? When, 
the first daily paper ? What was it called ? What is said of books before the Kevolu- 
tion ? 266. Where did manufactures receive special attention ? What articles were 
manufactured for export? What is said of the hats made in New England? What 
measures were adopted by the British government ? What was the policy of Great 
Britain with regard to the commerce of tiie colonies ? What progress had been made 



1713] PROGRESS IN AGRICULTURE. 187 

had even vied with the Dutch in pushing out into the frozen 
seas of the north in search of whales. At first they confined 
their eflbrts to the smaller kinds; but in 1712, one of the 
adventurous whalemen of Xantucket met, far out at sea, one 
of the largest species, and after a terrible battle succeeded 
in bringing it into port. Thus was a new impulse given to 
the whale fishery in New England. 

267. Agriculture, however, was the main reliance of the 
great body of the people. The richness of the primeval soil 
well repaid the husbandman for his labor. Maize, tobacco, 
and the potato were extensively cultivated in the sunny fields 
of Virginia and the adjacent colonies. Rice and indigo were 
raised abundantly in South Carolina. Cotton received atten- 
tion in the south, and began to be spun and woven. Fifteen 
years before the Revolution, the wife of Washington kept 
sixteen spinning-wheels running, and wore the fabrics made 
in her house under her own direction. The people of ISTorth 
Carohna Hved in ease and plenty, relying much on hunting 
and fishing. Maize, tar, and turpentine were the principal 
products of their domain. In the north, foreign as well as 
native grains and vegetables were everywhere raised. Bar- 
ley was cultivated in New England from the time of its first 
settlement. Gosnold sowed it in Martha's Vineyard in 1602. 

268. Travelling facilities at the time we are speaking of 
were exceedingly limited. Railroads, steamboats, and even 
stage-coaches were unknoAvn. Passengers were conveyed 
from i^oint to point on the coast in small sloops navigated by 
a man and a boy. They engaged to run from New York to 
Philadelphia in three days, unless in passing through the 
Narrows they were driven too far out to sea, in which case 
the voyage might take a week or more. New Jersey was 
crossed by land in wagons, which started twice a week from 



by the colonists in commercial matters ? How was a new impulse given to the whale- 
fishery in New England ? 267. What was the main reliance of the colonists ? What was 
the general character of the soil? What were raised throughout the south? What, 
particularly in South Carolina? What is said of cotton? What is said of the wife of 
Washington? How did the people of North Carolina live? What were their principal 
products ? What were raised in the north ? Where was barley cultivated ? 263. What 
is said of travelling facilities at this time ? How were passengers carried from point to 



188 CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION. [l765 

New York. In 1765, a new line was established, consisting 
of wagons without springs. The next year, a third Hne start- 
ed, which promised to make the journey from Xew York to 
Philadelphia in two days ; from this unprecedented speed its 
vehicles were called " flying machines". The first stage-coach 
in America commenced running in 1772 from Boston to 
Providence, taking two days to go that distance. 



CHAPTER XXXYI. 

CAUSES OF THE AlklEEICAN REVOLUTION. 

269. The people of America were descendants of men who 
had fled from oppression, and braved the hardships of the 
wilderness for the blessings of civil and religious liberty. 
They had endured incredible sufierings, and through their 
own unaided industry had at last prospered and gro^ATi 
strong. When poor and feeble, they had been neglected 
by the mother country ; as soon as they became worth gov- 
erning, Britain had sent them governors ; and now that they 
were growing rich, she sought to increase her revenue by 
taxing them. A pretext was not wanting. Heavy expenses 
had been incurred by the home government for the protec- 
tion of the colonies in the French and Indian war ; and these, 
it was claimed, should be reimbursed. The commandei's 
sent over had been generally incompetent, and much of their 
success was due to the colonial troops and oificers who served 
under them ; yet the Americans would not have objected to 
contributing their share, had they been allowed a voice in 
laying the tax or directing how it should be appropriated. 
Having no representatives in Parliament, however, they 



point on the coast ? How long did it take to make the passage from New York to Phil- 
adelphia? Give an account of the different lines that ran across New Jersey. When 
did the first stage-coach in America commence running? On what route? How long 
did it take to make the journey ? 

269. From whom were the people of America descended ? How were they treated 
by the mother country ? What pretext was assigned for taxing them? Why did the 
Americans object to contributing their share of the expense? How had the ministers 



1760] WRITS OF ASSISTANCE. 189 

claimed that Parliament had no right to tax them. The 
ministers of George II. had not only asserted the right, but 
exercised it by lajing duties on various imported articles. 
The question was freely discussed throughout America, and 
everywhere a unanimous voice rose from the people that 
taxation without representation was unjust and intolerable. 
The law imposing the obnoxious duties was declared uncon- 
stitutional and oppressive. In New England it was con- 
stantly evaded by secretly conveying the taxable articles 
ashore and concealing them from the collectors. To put a 
stop to this practice, on the accession of George III. in 1760, 
edicts were issued commanding all sheriffs and constables to 
aid the collectors, when called upon, in breaking open and 
searching cellars, houses, or vessels, that were suspected ot 
containing concealed goods. 

Salem was the first place at which it was attempted to 
enforce this law. The inhabitants denied the right of offi- 
cers to force their dwellings, and the Supreme Court directed 
that the question should be argued at Boston. The people 
were represented by James 0''-tis, an eloquent and able law- 
yer, who had been Advocate-general for the crown, but re- 
signed his office rather than enforce an unconstitutional law. 
Otis' speech on this question produced a thrilling effect on 
the vast concourse that heard it. It was the ablest defence 
of popular rights yet put forth, and confirmed the patriots 
of Massachusetts in their resolution to resist even by force of 
arms. 

270. At the south, too, the same spirit was rife. In Vir- 
ginia, the Church of England was established by law, and 
its ministers had been voted an annual salary of 16,000 pounds 
of tobacco each. In 1758, a year of scarcity, with the view 
of reheving the people, it was enacted by the colonial legis- 
lature that the salaries of the clergy, as well as other public 

of George II. exercised this alleged right ? What position was maintained by the colo- 
nists ? How was the law imposing the offensive duties evaded ? What was done on 
the accession of George III. ? Where was the first attempt made to enforce this law ? 
What position did the people of Salem take ? Where was the question argued ? Who 
spoke in behalf of the people ? What was the effect of Otis' speech ? 270. Where else 
was the same spirit rife ? What difficulty had arisen between the clergy and the peo- 



190 CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION. [l763 

dues, might be paid in cash, each pound of tobacco being 
rated at two pence, which was below its real value. The 
clergy resisted, and the king refused to sign the act. Sev- 
eral years passed, and in 1763 the clergy brought a suit for 
damages. The cause of the people was in the hands of Pat- 
rick Henry. 

This distinguished man was born in Virginia, in 1736. A 
lover of nature, he had preferred rural pleasures and solitary 
forest rambles to his books, and had grown up mth a mind 
strong but not cultivated, and an education varied rather 
than profound. He had tried mercantile pursuits and farm- 
ing without success, and at last, turnmg his attention to the 
law, was licensed after six weeks' study. He had reached 
the age of twenty-seven without distinction ; and now he 
stood in the old Hanover court-house, before the most learn- 
ed of the colony, the triumphant clergy smiling at his awk- 
wardness, and many an anxious eye bent on him in the 
crowded audience 

The commencement of his speech made little impression ; 
but as the young orator warmed with his subject, his eye 
lighted up T\dth genius, his figure became erect, his expres- 
sion grand, his action bold, his voice commanding, his words 
impassioned, his arguments irresistible. Men looked at each 
other in surprise, then fascinated drank in with eyes and ears, 
in deathlike silence, the eloquence of the gifted speaker. The 
clergy shrank in alarm from his scathing sarcasm ; and the 
jury, under the spell of his glo^-ing appeals, returned a ver- 
dict of one penny damages. The people shouted with de- 
light at their unexpected triumph, and bore their gallant 
champion from the court-house on their shoulders. 

271. Meanwhile the British ministry, no longer guided by 
the liberal councils of Pitt, pushed through Parhament a 
bill, which laid an impost on wines, increased the duty on 
sugar, and provided for the more rigid enforcement of the 

pie ? In 1763, what did the clergy do ? Who pleaded the cause of the people ? Give 
a sketch of the previous history of Patrick Henry. How old was he at this time ? Give 
an account of his triumph in Hanover court-house. What verdict was returned ? How 
did the people reward their champion ? 271. What injudicious bill was next passed by 



1765] PASSAGE OF THE STAMP ACT. 191 

regulations for collecting the revenue. Even before the pas- 
sage of this bill was announced, the j^rinciple it involved was 
condemned m the strongest terms in a town-meeting at 
Boston. Samuel Adams, a stout-hearted patriot, who had 
already proved that taxation and representation were insep- 
arable, protested in the name of the people against the as- 
sumption by Parhament of powers fatal to liberty and incon- 
sistent with the rights to which every Briton was born. 

272. In 1765, the famous Stamp Act was passed. It had 
long been contemplated by the enemies of America, but no 
British statesman up to this time had ventured to urge its 
passage. According to its provisions, no deed, bond, note, 
lease, contract, or other legal document, was valid, without 
a stamp, costing, according to the nature of the instrument, 
from 3 pence to £4. Every newspaper, pamphlet, almanac, 
&c., was also required to bear a stamp, costing from a half- 
penny to 4 pence ; and on each advertisement they contained 
a duty of two shillings was imposed. The passage of this act 
seemed to sound the knell of freedom in America. " The 
sun of liberty is set," wrote FrankUn to Charles Thompson, 
the future secretary of Congress ; " the Americans must Ught 
the lamps of industry and economy." " Be assured," was 
his friend's answer, " we shall light torches of a very differ- 
ent character." Such was the general feeling of the colo- 
nists — Avar, rather than submission to injustice. 

The House of Burgesses of Virginia was in session when 
the news arrived. Odious as the measure was, there was 
danger in opposing it, and no one dared to introduce the 
subject. Patrick Henry was the youngest member. After 
waiting in vain for older men to lead the way, he hastily 
drew up on the blank leaf of an old law-book five resolutions, 
which in strong terms asserted the rights of the colonies and 
denied the authority of Parhament to impose taxes upon 
them. The reading of these resolutions produced unbounded 

Parliament? Before the news arrived, where was the principle it involved strongly- 
condemned ? What did Samuel Adams do ? 272. In 1765, what act was passed ? What 
was the substance of the Stamp Act ? On its enactment, what did Franklin write to one 
of his friends ? What was his friend's reply ? What was the general feeling throughout 
the colonies? What body was in session when the news arrived? State what took 



192 



CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION. 



[l765 



consternation in the House. The Speaker and many of the 
members were royalists, and a protracted and violent debate 
followed. But the eloquence of Henry bore down all oppo- 
sition. Indignant at the attempt to enthral his country, the 
fearless orator, in the midst of an impassioned harangue, 



'^ijllljlliilmli ( 




exclaimed, " Caesar had his Brutus, 
Charles I. his Cromwell, and George 

HI. " "Treason!" shouted the 

Speaker. "Treason! Treason!" was 
heard m different parts of the House. 
"And George HI.," repeated Henry, 
with flashing eye and unfaltering voice, "may profit by 
their example. If that be treason, make the most of it." 
Again the young mountaineer triumphed. The resolutions 
were carried. They were circulated throughout the colo- 



place in the House of Burgesses. What was the effect of Patrick Henry's eloquence? 



1765] EXCITEMENT AGAINST THE STAMP ACT. 198 

iiies, and everywhere excited tlje same determined spiiit 
that they breathed. 

Among those who hstened to the inspiring words of Pat- 
rick Henry on this occasion, was a young Virginian, destmed 
to play no unimportant part in his country's history. It was 
Thomas Jefferson, then a student twenty-two years old. 
Standing in the lobby, he heard the whole discussion. The 
words of the eloquent patriot foimd an abiding echo in his 
heart, and awakened there the sentiment which directed all 
his future conduct — that " resistance to tyrants is obedience 
to God". 

273. The indignation of the people at the passage of the 
Stamp Act was not confined to Virginia. Similar resolutions 
to those of Patrick Henry were passed in New York, Massa- 
chusetts, and elsewhere. Early in October, 1765, delegates 
from nine colonies assembled at New York, and drew up a 
declaration of their grievances and rights. A petition em- 
bodpng then- views was foi*warded to both king and Par- 
Hament. 

The Act was to go into effect on the first of November, 
and the excitement became intense as the day approached. 
Those who were appointed to sell the stamps were bm-ned 
in effigy, and compelled to resign or quit the country. On 
the arrival of stamps at the seajDort to^\Tis, the flags were 
placed at half-mast, muffled bells were tolled, and the citizens 
walked the streets attired in mourning. In New York, ten 
boxes of stamps were destroyed by the people, and the mer- 
chants resolved to import nothing from the mother country 
till the offensive act was repealed. The business men of 
Philadelphia and Boston followed this example. In the latter 
city, a handbill was posted at the comers, warning the person 
who should first distribute or use stamped sheets to take care 
of his property and person. A paper was issued, bearing for 

Who listened to Henry's words on this occasion ? What feeling did they awaken in 
him ? How old was Jefferson at this time? 273. In what other colonies were resolu- 
tions against the Stamp Act passed? What took place in October, 1765? When was 
the stamp Act to go into effect ? What was done to the stamp officers ? How did the 
inhabitants express their indignation when the stamps arrived? What was done in 
New York ? What, in Boston ? What significant device was adopted by a newspaper? 

9 



19^1: CAUSES OF THE KEVOLUTION. [l765 

its device a snake, on the head of which were the letters 
N. E. [New England], while the body was divided into sev- 
eral i^ieces, marked with the initials of the other colonies. 
The motto, Join or die^ exjDlained its meaning. In Ncav 
Hampshire, on the morning of the eventful day, the bells 
tolled, and the people assembled as if for a funeral procession. 
A coffin bearing the name of Liberty was borne to a grave 
on the shoulders of eight persons, to the sound of minute- 
guns. A funeral oration was pronounced, and the coffin was 
lowered into the grave. Suddenly signs of life appeared. 
It was raised to the surface, and now bore the inscription 
Liberty revived. Enthusiastic shouts from the multitude 
and the triumphant sound of drums and trumpets greeted 
the resurrection. 

The meaning of these demonstrations was not to be mis- 
understood. It was evident that the Stamp Act could be 
enforced only by a resort to arms, and from this Parliament 
shrunk. The wiser part began to urge its repeal, and Frank- 
lin, the agent for Pennsylvania, was brought before the House 
of Commons (February 13, 1766), and examined on the va- 
rious points involved in the controversy. His bold and can- 
did answers increased the high reputation he already enjoyed, 
and called forth the lasting gratitude of his countrymen. In 
March, Parliament gave way to the determined spirit of the 
Americans by repealing the odious act, though it reasserted 
its right " to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever". 

274. Harmony might now have been restored, had not the 
enemies of America, mortified at their recent defeat, suc- 
ceeded in passing through Parliament an act for imposing a 
duty on all tea, glass, paper, and painters' colors, imported 
into the colonies. At the same time, officers were appointed 
to enforce the Acts of Navigation and Trade, and the au- 
thority of the Assembly of New York, which had refused to 
quarter British troops at the expense of the colony, w^as sus- 

What took place in New Hampshire? What was evident from these demonstrations? 
Did Parliament like to resort to arms? What did the wiser part urge? Who was ex- 
amined before the House of Commons? What is said of Franklin's answers? What 
was done in March, 1766? 274. What now prevented harmony from being restored? 



^68] 



MEP^TIXGS AT FANEUIL HALL. 



195 



pendecl till it should comply with the requisitions of Par- 
liament. 

This injudicious course again roused the indignation of the 
colonists, which was increased in the fall of 1768 by the an- 
nouncement that Parliament had determined to send several 
regiments to Boston, to reduce the people to submission. A 
day of fasting and prayer was appointed. Town-meetings 
and a general convention of delegates from all parts of the 
province were held at Fan'-eu-il Hall at which the course of 




FANEUIL UALL, BOSTON. 



the home government was freely denounced. On the 1st ot 
October, the troops landed. The council refused to furnish 
them quarters, and it was with difficulty that accommodations 



What injudicious enactments followed? What feeling was awakened in the colonies? 
How was it increased in the fall of 1768 ? What action was taken by the people ? When 
did the troops land ? What ditficulty awaited them ? What took place at the next 



196 CAUSES OF THE KP:Y0LUTI0N. [i7«8 

were procured for them, even at the expense of the crown. 
When the next General Court met, an armed force was 
found stationed in the hall. Otis and others protested 
against so tyrannical an attempt to overawe the members ; 
and, when the governor called on the House to pay for the 
quartering of the troops, they firmly refused to do so. 

275. The governors of the colonies at this time were in 
the interest of the king, and constantly tried to extend their 
authority at the expense of the people. Their subordinates 
ibllowed their example, and sought to enrich themselves by 
all kmds of extortion. In North Carolina, this was done by 
sheriflTs, constables, and other officers, to such an extent, that 
the people in some of the southern settlements, unable to 
bear the burdens thus unjustly imposed, rose in their own 
defence. They assumed the name of Kegulators, and deter- 
mined to resist the payment of all taxes that were not au- 
thorized by law and honestly appropriated. Governor Tryon 
chose to regard this movement as an insurrection ; and, a 
corrupt grand-jury supporting his views, he proceeded against 
them with the mihtia of the colony. The Regulators assem- 
bled in alarm when they heard that then* fields were being 
devastated by Tryon's forces ; but, lacking arms and ammu- 
nition, they were easily defeated. A number of the prisoners 
were hanged. Some of the best estates in the country Avere 
confiscated to the governor and his satellites ; and the perse- 
cuted Regulators, though convicted of nothing more than a 
desire to have existing laws honestly executed, were obliged 
to submit or flee to the west. Not a few chose the latter 
alternative. The Cherokees granted them land, and they 
founded a republic which afterwards became the state of 
Tennessee. Tryon soon went to New York, of which he had 
been appointed governor, leaving North Carolma to discharge 
a debt of $200,000 contracted by his reckless proceedings. 

276. The soldiers brought over for the extinction of lib- 



meeting of the General Court? 275. What is said of the governors of the colonies at 
this time? What, of their subordinates? What took place in North Carolina? How 
did Governor Tryon choose to regard this movement ? What steps did he take ? What 
was the result? What was the origin of the state of Tennessee? Where did Tryon 



1770] THE B(^STON MASSACRE. 197 

erty, imbibing the spirit of their masters, conducted them- 
selves so offensively that difficulties with the inhabitants con- 
stantly occurred. In New York, early in 1770, they cut 
down a liberty pole which had stood three years in the Park. 
An affray followed, in which the people had the advantage, 
and a new pole was erected in the upper part of the city. 
In Boston, the excesses of the soldiers and the injustice of 
their officers m screening them from punishment, gave the 
people just grounds for complaint. A collision between the 
troops and the citizens [in March, 17 70] was the natural re- 
sult. Three of the latter were killed, and several wounded. 
This event was called " the Boston Massacre". It produced 
the deepest excitement and /atally ^ddened the existing 
breach. The townsmen, with Samuel Adams at their head, 
insisted on the immediate withdrawal of the troops, and their 
commander was obliged to remove them to the neighbor- 
ing foit. 

An occurrence at Providence also showed the temper of 
the times. A royal schooner, the Gaspee, cruismg near that 
place, kept annoying the inhabitants by taking their prop- 
erty, firing at market-boats, and illegally seizing the cargoes 
of such vessels as it overhauled. While chasing a packet, in 
June, 1772, the Gaspee ran aground. This opportunity was 
not to be lost. The next night, a party from Providence 
boarded the stranded vessel, and set fire to it, after putting 
the crew ashore. Every effort to punish the perpetrators of 
the act failed. 

277. The merchants of America, adhered to their resolution 
not to import British commodities, and the effect began to be 
felt across the Atlantic. An appeal was made to Parliament 
by London merchants; and, in 1770, Lord North having 
become prime minister, the offensive duty was removed from 
every article excej^t tea, on which it was retained, to show 
that Parliament still claimed the right. It was against this 

soon after go ? 276. How did the soldiers conduct themselves towards the inhabitants? 
What took place in New York? What, in Boston ? On what did the people of Boston 
insist? What was the result? Give an account of the burnins of the Gaspee. 277. To 
what determination did the merchants of America adhere? Where did the effect begin 
to be felt? What was the consequence ? On what article was the tax retained ? Why? 



198 CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION. [17 70 

alleged right, however, and not the tax itself, that the Amer- 
icans had contended ; and they were by no means satisfied 
with such tardy and partial concession. The use of tea was 
voluntarily laid aside ; and, to insure united action, the 
friends of liberty (now knoA^Ti as Whigs, in contradistinction 
to the Tories, or advocates of Parliamentary taxation) estab- 
hshed committees of correspondence in the various colonies. 

Xo orders being received from America, tea rapidly accu- 
mulated in the Englisli warehouses. The duty before laid 
on its exportation was now removed, with the view of lower- 
ing the price, and thus inducing the colonists to purchase it 
in spite of the import tax. Cargoes were sent to different 
American ports, but the result showed that the spirit of the 
colonies was not yet understood. At Xew York and Phila- 
delphia, the ships, j^revented from landing their cargoes, were 
sent back as they came. At Charleston, the tea was stored 
in damp cellars, where it was spoiled. At Boston, the cap- 
tains would have complied with the demands of the citizens 
and returned to London, but the governor and custom-house 
officers withheld their permission. Finding the authorities 
determined to force the tea upon them, the people settled 
the question for themselves. Seven thousand men assembled 
in town-meeting on the 16th of December, 1773, a day mem- 
orable in history. Fearless speeches were made by Adams, 
Quincy, and others ; at the close of which, an hour after 
dark, a war-whoop was raised, and about fifty persons dis- 
guised as Indians were seen to pass the door in the direction 
of the wharf where the three tea-ships were moored. The 
vessels were boarded ; and the contents of 340 chests of tea 
were emptied into the water. No resistance was offered, 
and all the proceedings were conducted in the most orderly 
manner, in the presence of a vast concourse. 

As the party were returning, they passed a house at which 
Admiral Montague was spending the evening. Raising the 

How did the Americans show their aversion to the principle ? To insure united action, 
what did the friends of liberty do? What was done in Enjxland, to induce the colonists 
to purchase tea? Where were cargoes sent? What was the result in New York and 
Philadelphia? In Charleston ? Who prevented the ships sent to Boston from return- 
ing? What took place, December 16, 1773? Give an account of the destruction of the 



1TT3] THE BOSTON PORT BILL. 199 

window, the admiral cried, " Well, boys, you've had a fine 
night for your Indian caper. But mind, you've got to pay 
the fiddler yet." " Oh ! never mind," replied one of the 
leaders, " never mind, squii^e ! just come out here, if you 
please, and we'll settle the bill in two minutes !" The ad- 
miral preferred letting the bill stand, and quickly shut down 
the window. 

278. This bold act provoked Parliament to pass the " Bos- 
ton Port Bill", which forbade the masters of vessels to take 
in or discharge cargoes in that harbor. The Virginia House 
of Burgesses was in session when the news of this retahatory 
measure was received ; a protest against it was at once en- 
tered on their journal. Governor Dunmore, to show his dis- 
approval of then- action, the next day dissolved the House. 
They separated, but only to meet elsewhere and pass strong 
resolutions, declaring an attack on one colony an attack on 
all, and recommending a general congress for the j)urpose of 
decidmg on some common course. Similar resolutions were 
passed in Massachusetts, and by common consent it was or- 
dered that a congress of delegates from all the colonies should 
meet at Philadelphia in September. 

279. Meanwhile General Gage (unfavorably known in 
connection with Braddock's defeat) had been appointed gov- 
ernor of Massachusetts. His rash measures hastened the 
approaching crisis. He tried to weaken the cause of free- 
dom by buying over Samuel Adams with a high office. But 
this true-hearted man, justly regarded as the leader of the 
patriotic movements in Boston, whom Jefferson afterwards 
pronounced " wise in council, fertile in resources, and im- 
movable in his purposes", was as incorruptible as he was 
brave. " I trust," replied he to Gage's messenger, " I have 
long since made my 23eace with the King of kings, and no 
personal consideration shall induce me to abandon the righ- 

tea. What story is told of Admiral Montague? 278. How did Parliament punish Bos- 
ton for this bold proceeding? What did the Boston Port Bill provide ? When the news 
of its passage reached Virginia, what action was taken by the House of Burgesses? 
How did Gov. Dunmore show his disapproval ? What did the Assembly do after their 
dissolution? What was ordered by common consent ? 279. Meanwhile, who had been 
appointed governor of Massachusetts? What course did Gage pursue? What passed 



200 CAUSES OF THE EEYOLDTION. [l7 74: 

teous cause of my country. Tell Governor Gage, it is the 
advice of Samuel Adams to him, no longer to insult the feel- 
ings of an exasperated people." 

280. On the 5th of September, 1*774, the Continental Con- 
gress met at Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia. Fifty-three 
delegates appeared, the ablest men of America, representing 
every colony but Georgia. It was a solemn meeting, for it 
involved the destiny of America. Adams was there, and 
Washington, Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, and Patrick 
Henry, never deaf to his country's call. There was but one 
voice in the Assembly, one feeling — never to submit. A 
petition was addressed to the obstinate king, whose infatu- 
ated course was flinging the brightest jewel from his crown ; 
an appeal was made to the people of Great Britam ; but 
preparations for the worst were not forgotten. 

281. Despite the efforts of Gage, the Assembly of Massa- 
chusetts met in October, 1774. John Hancock, a graduate 
of Hai-vard and one of the ablest statesmen of the Revolu- 
tion, was elected president. Active preparations were made 
for the war, which it now required httle sagacity to foresee. 
Measures were taken for organizing the militia. Officers 
were appointed, and a committee of safety was empowered 
to call the citizens together whenever circumstances required. 
The people, too, did their part. There was no shrinking from 
the impending struggle. The anniversary of " the Boston 
massacre" was solemnly celebrated in that city ; on which 
occasion. Dr. Joseph Warren, afterwards a martyi* to liberty 
at Bunker Hill, setting the threats of British officials at de- 
fiance, stirred the deepest sympathies and strongest passions 
of an immense audience. 

282. Even the boys of Boston caught the spirit of their 
sires. They were wont to amuse themselves in winter by 
building snow-houses and skating on a pond in the Common. 

between bim and Samuel Adams ? 2S0. Where did the first Continental Congress meet ? 
When? How many delegates attended ? What colonies were represented ? Name 
some who were present. What was the unanimous feeling of the assembly? What 
action did they take ? 231. When did the next Assembly meet in Massachusetts ? Who 
was elected president ? What steps were taken? How was the anniversary of "the 
Boston massacre" observed? 282. What injuries did the boys of Boston receive from 



1T75] 



GENERAL GAGE AND THE BO&TON BOYS. 



201 



The soldiers wantonly interfered with their sports, and their 
complaints to the inferior officers were disregarded and even 
ridiculed. A number of the largest boys at last waited on 
General Gage and informed him that they had come for sat- 
isfaction. " What !" said Gage ; " have yom- fathers been 




GENERAL GAGE AND THE BOSTON BOYS. 



teaching you rebellion, and sent you here to exhibit it ?" 
" Nobody sent us," answered the leader, with flashing eye. 
" We have never injured your troops ; but they have tram- 
pled down our snow-hills and broken the ice of our skating 
pond. We complained, and they called us young rebels, 
and told us to help ourselves if we could. We told the cap- 
tain, and he laughed at us. Yesterday our works were de- 
stroyed for the third time, and we will bear it no longer." 
The British general could not restrain his admiration. " The 
very children here," he exclaimed, " draw in a love of lib- 
erty with the air they breathe. Go, my brave boys, and be 
assured if my troops trouble you again they shall be pun- 
ished." 

283. In March, 1775, the Virginia legislature again as- 



the soldiers? To whom did they complain? Relate what passed between them and 

9* 



202 CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION [l775 

sembled. Patrick Henry, the great orator of the Revokition, 
was a member, BeHeving war inevitable, he mtrocluced 
resolutions providing for the organization of a republican 
army, and in their support delivered a memorable speech 
whose electrical effect can now hardly be imagined, though 
it will never be read without emotion. " I know not what 
course others may take," said he, after kindling the spirits of 
those who listened with his burning eloquence, " but for me, 
give me liberty or give me death." 

The struggle was at hand. An appeal to the God of bat- 
tles alone was left. 

284. Before entering on the history of the contest, it is 
necessary to glance at an important event in the southwest. 
The treaty of Paris had transferred Louisiana from France 
to Spain, contrary to the wishes of its people. Their re- 
pugnance to the change was heightened in 1768 by the ar- 
rival of a Spanish governor of haughty manners and arbitrary 
principles, who enforced the restrictive system of his country, 
to the great injury of their commerce. Attached to the 
French crown, and feehng that they ought not to be trans- 
ferred from one king to another without their own consent, 
the people of ISTew Orleans, supported by those of the coun- 
try parishes, established an indej^endent republic, and the 
Spanish governor, unable to exercise his authority, retired to 
Havana. The new government lasted not long. General 
O'Reilly [W-?y], sent over with an army for that purpose, 
restored Spanish authority, and the leaders of the hberal 
movement expiated their offence in dungeons or on the gal- 
lows. 

Gen. Gage. 2S3. When did the Virginia legislature again assemble? What resolutions 
were introduced by Patrick Henry ? What is said of the speech he delivered in their 
support? 2S-4. How was Louisiana affected by the treaty of Paris? How was this 
change liked by the people ? What increased their aversion to it ? What bold step did 
they take ? What was the fate of the movement and its leaders ? 



PART III. 

REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD, 

EXTENDING FROM THE BREAKING OUT OF THE REVOLU- 
TION, A. D. 1775, TO THE ORGANIZATION OF A GOV- 
ERNMENT UNDER THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION, 1789. 



CHAPTER I. 

BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. 

285. An act of Parliament, passed in February, 1775, de- 
clared that a rebellion existed in Massachusetts, and that an 
additional force should be sent over to Boston. About 
3,000 British troops were already there. Boston Neck, 
which connected the peninsula on which the rebellious town 
was built with the maui land, had been fortified by Gage, 
and a Ime of sentinels stationed there cut off the inhabitants 
from communication with the surrounding country. The 
patriots, however, had secretly conveyed their cannon,^ as 
well as a quantity of powder and cartridges, out of the city, 
concealmg them in loads of manure with which they passed 
the guard unsuspected. Their prmcipal depot was at Con- 
cord, about eighteen miles northwest of Boston. Of this 
Gage was aware ; and he resolved to send a strong detach- 
ment thither, to destroy their stores and secure the persons 
of Hancock and Samuel Adams, whom he supposed to be m 
that vicinity. Arrangements were made with the greatest 
secrecy; and on the 18th of April, 1775, an hour before 

2S5. What was declared by act of Parliament, February, 1775? How many British 
troops were already in Boston? What precautions had been taken by Gage? How 
had the patriots evaded them? Where was the principal depot of the Americans? 
What did Gage resolve to do ? For what purposes ? What took place, April IS, 1775 . 



204 BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. [l775 

midnight, 800 men under Lieutenant-colonel Smith set out 
for Concord. 

Notwithstanding the precautions of the British general, 
the vigilant Warren had penetrated his designs ; and hardly 
had the expedition started when messengers were dispatched 
by diiferent routes to give the alarm. A lantern was hung 
from an upper window of the North Church, which was seen 
by the people of Charlestown, and they also sent trusty men 
to alarm the country. Smith had not advanced far before he 
heard the sound of musketry and the ringing of bells ; and, 
apprehendmg danger, he sent back for reinforcements, and 
threw out detachments in advance to secure the bridges. 

Before five the next morning, the British advanced guard, 
commanded by Major Pitcakn, reached Lexington [see Map, 
p. 84], ten miles from Boston, on the Concord road. On 
the green, a body of minute-men, hastily gathered and poor- 
ly equipped, Avere ready to receive them. "Disperse, ye 
rebels," cried the British leader. The Americans stood their 
ground : Pitcairn discharged his pistol at them, and firing 
commenced on both sides. It was continued till the Amer- 
icans gave way, with a loss of 8 men. The main body now 
came up, and the march was resumed for Concord. • They 
arrived there at seven. The inhabitants had received news 
of the intended movement about midnight, and had con- 
veyed part of the arms and ammunition to a place of safety. 
The rest was destroyed. Meantime a large body of minute- 
men had assembled, and a skirmish took place, which result- 
ed m the loss of several on both sides, and the retreat of 
the British from a bridge which they had seized. . 

286. The work of destruction having been completed, the 
British began to return. This was the signal for the brave 
yeomanry of the surrounding country. Postmg themselves 

Who had penetrated the designs of Gage ? What means were taken for alarming the 
country ? Before he had advanced far, what did Smith hear ? What did this lead him 
to do? Who commanded the advanced guard? Before five, April 19, what place did 
Pitcairn and his men reach ? [See Map, p. 84. — Where is Lexington ? In wliat direc- 
tion fi-om Boston ? In what direction is Concord from Lexington ? How far ?] Whom 
did the British find drawn up on the green ? Give an account of the battle of Lexing- 
ton. Where did the British then go ? What took place at Concord ? 286. After de- 
stroying the stores, what was the next step of the British ? Describe the retreat from 



1775] KETEEAT OF THE BRITISH. 205 

in houses, and behind sheds, trees, and fences on the road- 
side, they poured in an unremitting and deadly fire on the 
retreating army. Even boys and old men hastened to strike 
a blow for their country. Thus for miles the British march- 
ed, their officers falling and their ranks thinning under a con- 
tinuous fire which they were unable to return with effect. 
Colonel Smith was severely wounded, and his men, sinking 
under fatigue and discouraged by their losses, were in dan- 
ger of being entirely cut off, when they were met, eleven 
miles from Boston, by a timely reinforcement of 1,000 men 
under Lord Percy. Received by their comrades in a hollow 
square, they threw themselves on the ground, and were al- 
lowed a short rest to fit them for the balance of the march. 

The patriots, notwithstanding Lord Percy's field-pieces, 
continued the pursuit to Charlesto^vn. Here the disastrous 
retreat terminated, the British having lost 65 killed, 180 
wounded, and 28 taken prisoners. On the opposite side, 59 
■were killed, 39 wounded, and 5 missing. The first battle of 
the Revolution was fought, and its result was not such as to 
discourage the colonists. 

287. At this early period were commenced those acts of 
savage cruelty which too often disgraced the British troops 
in the course of the war. Percy allowed his men to plunder 
and fire a number of houses on the route. In one of these a 
woman was l}"ing sick, and her child had taken refuge under 
the bed. The former was barbarously dragged out of the 
house, and one of the marauders, seeing the boy's foot pro- 
trude, wantonly pinned it to the floor with his bayonet. No 
groan escaped the little hero ; but the merciless soldiers re- 
duced the house to ashes and hurried on to other outrages. 

Concord. What saved Smith and his men from destruction ? On meeting Percy's re- 
inforcement, what did the weary troops do? How far did the patriots continue the 
pursuit ? What was th-e loss on both sides ? 287. What commenced at this early period ? 
What did Percy allow his men to do ? What instance of barbarity is mentioned ? 



206 CAPTURE OF TICONDEROGA. [l775 



CHAPTER II. 

CAPTURE OF TICONDEROGA. WASHIaSTGTON ELECTED COM- 
MANDER-IN-CHIEF. 

288. It was felt that the war had begun in earnest, and 
20,000 patriots soon assembled in the vicinity of Boston, sur- 
rounded the city, and threatened to cut off the British army 
from provisions. Meanwhile the legislature of Connecticut 
resolved to strike a blow. A committee was sent to the 
frontier with $1,000, to fit out an expedition against Ticon- 
deroga. The command was given to Colonel E'-than Allen, 
already distinguished as a leader of the " Green Mountain 
Boys". The company so called had been organized three 
years before, to prevent New York from extending her juris- 
diction over the region they occupied, now knowTi as Ver- 
mont. Colonel Allen was assisted by Benedict Arnold, after- 
wards a traitor, but then a brave and esteemed patriot. An 
army 270 strong was soon collected on the east side of Lake 
Champlain [see Map, p. 169], opposite Ticonderoga. It was 
intended to cross in the night, but so few boats were at hand 
that at daylight on the 10th of May (1775) only the ofiicers 
and 83 men had landed on the western shore. 

Not daring to wait for more, lest he should be discovered 
and cut off by the garrison, Allen addressed his Httle band 
and marched directly to the fort. The surprise was com- 
plete. As Allen entered the sally-port at the head of his 
men, a sentinel snapped his gun at him, and ran to raise the 
alarm. The Americans followed, and the garrison were 
roused from sleep only to find themselves prisoners. Colonel 
Allen made his way to the commander's apartment and or- 
dered him to surrender. " By what authority ?" demanded 

288. "What immediately followed the battle of Lexington ? What was done by the 
legislature of Connecticut ? To whom was the command of the expedition against Ti- 
conderoga given ? As what was Ethan Allen already distinguished ? For what had the 
company called " the Green Mountain Boys" been organized ? By whom was Allen 
assisted ? How large a force was raised ? Where did they rendezvous ? What difficulty 
did they experience in crossing the lake? What was the consequence? What was 
Allen now obliged to do? Give an account of the surprise of the fort. What was sur- 



1775] SUBSEQUENT CAREER OF ETHAN ALLEN. 207 

the astonished officer. Raising his sworcl as if to strike, 
Allen replied, " In the name of the great Jehovah and the 
Continental Congress." Resistance was vain, and the British 
commander was obhged to surrender the post, together with 
48 men, 122 cannon, several vessels, abundant stores, and a 
large supj^ly of powder, which was much needed m the camp 
at Boston. Two days afterwards Crown Point was taken 
without resistance. These achievements, performed mthout 
the loss of a single man, greatly encouraged the colonists. 

289. The subsequent career of the brave but eccentric 
Allen is worthy of relation. In the autumn of 1775, he at- • 
tempted the capture of Montreal, but after a desiderate 
struggle was made a prisoner. He was sent to England, 
and suffered much on the voyage from being confined with 
34 others in a room about 20 feet square. This was aU for- 
gotten, however, on the return voyage, when an op^Dortunity 
for ample revenge occurred. A conspiracy was formed for 
killmg the captain and taking possession of the vessel, but 
Allen, though on his way to a prison-ship and aware of the 
sufferings in store for him, refused to take part in it. Ex- 
changed at last for a British officer, he was made commander 
of the Vermont mihtia. The British tried to buy him over, 
but in vain. 

290. Love of country was the ruling passion in Ethan 
Allen's breast. His brother favored the British, aiding them 
with his means, and sending them from time to time such in- 
formation as he thought would be of service. When Ethan 
ascertained this, he at once laid the fact before the authori- 
ties, advising them to confiscate his brother's property and 
apply it to the defence of the country. — His eventful life ter- 
minated in 1789. 

291. The same day that Ethan Allen captured Ticonderoga, 
the Contmental Congress commenced its second session at 
Philadelphia. Among its members were Thomas Jefferson, 

rendered along with the fort ? Two days after, what post was taken ? What was the 
effect of these achievements on the colonists? What is related of Allen's subsequent 
history? To what office was he finally raised ? What attempt was made by the British ? 
290. What is said of Ethan Allen's love of country ? To prove this, what story is 
told respecting him and his brother? When did Ethan Allen die? 291. What body 



208 WASfllNGTON ELECTED COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. [lT75 

whom we have met before listenmg to the eloquence of 
Heniy, and John Adams, a native of Massachusetts, now in 
his fortieth year. Distinguished for his industry and business 
habits, Adams was one of the most useful members of the 
House. He had constantly opposed the encroachments of 
Parliament, yet had shown his independence by defending 
the British soldiers concerned in "the Boston Massacre", on 
their trial for that offence. 

Though still hoping for concessions from the mother coun- 
try, Congress vigorously prepared for war. BUls of credit 
were issued to the amount of $3,000,000. The appointment 
of a commander-in-chief next engaged attention. John Ad- 
ams in a powerful speech set forth the high qualities which 
should be possessed by the person selected for this office, and 
concluded by nominating one of their own body, in whom 
they Avere all combined — George Washington, of Virginia. 
The House was taken by surprise, for but few had known 
the speaker's intention. No one was more surprised than 
Washington himself, who immediately left the room. The 
next day, he was unanimously elected. 

292. The news of the stand taken at Lexington rapidly 
spread throughout the country, and was everj^^here received 
with enthusiasm. In a remote part of Virginia, a tall young- 
man hastened to bear the news to a company in the woods. 
He expressed his feelings in a fervid speech, and they lost no 
time in arming for liberty. This youth was John Marshall, 
the future chief-justice. Just a month after the battle, the 
news reached Charlotte, N. C. The people immediately 
met, declared themselves freed from allegiance to the king, 
and promised to defend the independence thus asserted with 
their hves and fortunes. This teas the first proposal to throw 
off the British yoke. Their countrymen at the north were 



met the same day that Ticonderoga was captured ? What new members made their 
appearance in Congress? What is said of John Adams? For what did Congress still 
hope ? What steps did they take in preparation for war ? Whom did they appoint 
commander-in-chief? Eelate the circumstances. 202'. How was the news of the battle 
of Lexington received ? What took place in a remote part of Virginia? Who was the 
person that made the announcement ? What took place at Charlotte, N. C. ? For what 
as yet were the northern patriots contending? What were the people of Charlotte the 



1775] GOV. DUNMOKE COMPELLED TO FLEE. 209 

in arms merely for rights to which, as British subjects, they 
beheved themselves entitled. The people of Charlotte were 
the first to declare in favor of complete independence. 

293. The governors of the colonies had received orders to 
secure all arms and military stores collected by the people. 
According to these instructions, Lord Dunmore, on the 20th 
of April, seized on the powder in the magazine at Williams- 
burg, Ya. The people, with Patrick Henry at their head, 
demanded restitution, and the governor had to pay for the 
powder in full. The amount (about $1,500) was transmitted 
to Congress. After fortifying his residence, the mortified 
Dunmore issued a proclamation against Henry and his asso- 
ciates. This incensed the people, and some intercepted 
letters written by the governor, in which he gix)ssly misrep- 
resented the colonists, added to their indignation. Justly 
alarmed for his safety, Dunmore took refuge on board of a 
British vessel. About the same time, the governors of North 
and South Carolina were obliged to i^ursue a similar course. 



CHAPTER III. 

BATTLE OF BTJIS^KEII HILL. 

294. The British army in Boston w^as increased in May, 
lY^S, to 10,000 men, by reinforcements from England and 
Ireland, commanded by Generals Howe, Clinton, and Bur- 
goyne.- On the 12th of June, Gage issued a proclamation 
ofiering pardon to all who would abandon the cause of the 
colonies, except Samuel Adams and John Hancock, who were 
declared outlaws. 

295. The American army, though larger than that of the 
enemy, was poorly equipped and disciplined. Their oflScers, 

first to advocate ? 293. What orders had the firovernors of the colonies received ? What 
did Lord Dunmore do, on the 20th of April, 1775? What action was taken by the peo- 
ple ? What was the result? What governors had to pursue a similar course ? 

294. How was the British army increased in May, 1775? What was the substance of 
the proclamation issued by Gage in June? 295. How did the American army compare 



210 BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. [l775 

however, were men who had seen service. Ar'-te-mas Ward, 
of Massachusetts, held the chief command. On the 16th of 
June, it was ascertained that Gen. Gage intended to seize 
and fortify Bunker Hill. • At nine o'clock at night. Colonel 
Prescott was dispatched from Cambridge with a thousand 
men to anticipate the movement. Mistaking Breed's Hill 
for Bunker's in the darkness, they commenced intrenching 
themselves on the former emuience, which was nearer to 
Boston and more exposed to the fire of the British ships. 
The name of Bunker Hill, however, is universally given to 
the engagement that followed. The men worked with the 
utmost dihgence, and so noiselessly that they were not dis- 
covered till daTvm, either by the ships, or the British sentinels 
on Copp's Hill, Boston, whose "All's well!" they distmctly 
heard at mtervals through the night. 

The surprise of the British may be imagined, when, at day- 
break on the 17th, they beheld a strong intrenchment, six 
feet high, commanding their camp. A strong battery planted 
there would force them to evacuate the city. Gage called a 
comicil of war, and it was agreed that the Americans must 
be driven from their position. Three thousand veterans were 
detached for this duty, under Generals Howe and Pig'-ot. 
The Americans ceased working as they saw their enemies 
land at Morton's Point, and hoisted the flag of New Eng- 
land. They were but 1,500 in number, deficient in ammu- 
nition, exhausted by labor, and suffering from hunger and 
thirst ; yet they were sustained by an undaunted spirit. Gen- 
erals Putnam and Warren had now joined their ranks. The 
latter, though only 35 years of age, was distinguished no less 
as a physician than as president of the Pro^cial Congress of 
Massacliusetts. He had no military experience, and was 
urged not to expose himself in battle ; but the sound of the 
cannon wooed htm to the field. On his arrival. Col. Prescott 
offered him the command, as his superior officer ; but War- 

with the British ? What is said of their officers ? What was ascertained on the 16th of 
June? What defensive measures were taken by the Americans? Give an account of 
the occupation of Breed's Hill. How did the Americans spend the night? What did 
the British behold in the morning? What course was agreed upon in a council of war? 
How many men were detached for the attack ? Under what generals? Where did they 



THE FIRST AMERICAN KILLED. 



211 



1?75] 

reii replied that lie had come to learn, and, borrowmg a 
musket, served bravely as a private. 




Americans [m^ 
British [a 



j], 1,500 engaged ; loss, 452. 
B], 4,000 engaged; loss, 1,054. 



At three o'clock, the British ships and batteries poured 
in a terrible fire on the redoubt. The first American that 
fell was horribly mutilated, and his comrades, unaccustomed 
to such sights, crowded around. Fearful of the effect. Col- 
onel Prescott ordered that he should be instantly buried. 
' He is the first man that has been killed," said he, " and 
he is the last that wiU be buried to-day. To your posts, my 
gallant fellows, and let every man do his duty." And every 
man did his duty. 

296. The British troops moved slowly in perfect order 



land ' [See Map.— What isthmus connects the peninsula on which Charlestown stands 
with "the main-land? How high is Breed's Hill, on which the hattle took place? In 
what part of Boston is Copp's Hill ?] What did the American troops do, when they saw 
the British land? What was the condition of the Americans? By whom were they 
joined? What is said of Dr. Warren ? At three o'clock, what was commenced by the 
British ' What took place when the first American was killed ? 296. Give an account 



212 BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. [l7 75 

up the hill. The Americans awaited their approach in silence. 
They had been ordered to reserve their fire till they saw the 
whites of the enemies' eyes, and Gen. Putnam aided in re- 
straining their impatience. When the British had reached 
the prescribed point, Prescott waved his sword above his 
head and shouted Fiee ! A deadly discharge was poured 
upon the advancing columns. Platoon after platoon was 
swept down ; the ranks were broken, and the survivors hast- 
ily retired. They were rallied for a second charge under 
cover of a smoke produced by the burning of several hun- 
dred wooden houses in Charlestown, which the British had 
wantonly set on fire. Again the Americans lay j^erfectly 
quiet, till the enemy were within ten rods of the redoubt. 
Again they swept down oflScers and men, and agam the 
British veterans retreated. Gen. Clinton now crossed with 
1,000 fresh troops. It was resolved to make another at- 
tack, though some of the officers declared that it was leading 
their men to certain death. After a few moments' rest, du- 
ring which, in the face of a destructive fire, a small party of 
Americans crossed Charlestown Neck and joined their coim- 
trymen, the British troops a third time commenced the 
ascent. 

The patriots, as before, poured in a galling fire ; they shot 
dowTi a number of officers, and wounded Howe himself. 
Unfortunately, however, their ammunition gave out. The 
British rushed up to the parapet, and, as they mounted it, 
were received with stones and clubbed muskets. Resistance 
being hopeless, Prescott ordered a retreat. He himself and 
Warren were the last to leave the redoubt. The latter, hav- 
ing done good service, was about joining his companions, 
when he received a musket-ball in the head and was instant- 
ly killed. In him America lost one of her truest fiiends. 
The British general, on hearing of his fall, said it was worth 
that of 500 ordinary rebels. 



of the first charge of the British. Of the second. Who now arrived on the field ? 
What was it resolved to do? What did some of the officers declare? How were the 
Americans reinforced? How was the third charge of the British received? What 
obliged the Americans to retreat? Who were the last to leave the redoubt? What 






1775] ADVENTURES OF " OLD PUT". 213 

297. The retreat of the provincials was bravely covered 
by detachments of their countrymen who had occupied a 
position in the rear durmg the engagement. Evening found 
them safely encamped at Prospect Hill, a mile from the bat- 
tle ground. They had lost 115 killed, 305 wounded, and 32 
prisoners. On the British side 226 were killed, 828 wound- 
ed and missing. The battle had taken place in sight of the 
whole people of Boston. The roofs and steeples, as well as 
the surrounding hills, were filled with anxious women and 
children, whose destinies depended on the issue of the day. 
The Americans had the decided advantage, though the Brit- 
ish, remaining masters of the field, claimed the victory. 

298. Israel Putnam, familiarly known as " Old Put", one 
of the heroes whose name is embalmed in the glories of Bun- 
ker Hill, was born in Salem, Massachusetts, 1718. He emi- 
grated to Connecticut, and his life from early youth was full 
of romantic adventures. At one time we see him descend- 
ing into the wolf's den and shooting her by the light of her 
own glaring eyes ; at another, actively engaged in the French 
and Indian War, now saving a comrade's life at Crown Point 
by killing a French sentinel, and anon escaping from his en- 
emies with twelve bullet-holes in his blanket. In 1756, he 
found himself the prisoner of a party of savages, who, after 
driving him for miles under a heavy load, bound him to a 
stake, and prepared to burn him to death. Already had the 
flames scorched his skin, when a French officer burst through 
the crowd, scattered the brands, and saved his life. Shortly 
afterwards, Putnam was surprised by Indians just above the 
rapids in the Hudson. A glance showed him that his only 
chance of escape lay in threading the channel of the boister- 
ous passage. With amazement his pursuers saw his boat 
leap into the seething waters, shoot through yawning whirl- 
pools, dash past hidden rocks, and at last dart out into the 
placid waters far below. 

befell Warren? What did the British geueral say on hearing of his fall? 297. By 
whom was the retreat of the provincials covered? Where did they encamp? What 
was the loss on both sides? Who had witnessed the engagement? Which side gained 
the victory ? 298. Where was Gen. Putnam born? To what colony did he emigrate? 
What is said of his life from early youth ? Mention some of his early exploits. What 



214 INVASION OF CANADA. [l7 75 

Putnam's remarkable presence of mind was again displayed 
at Fort Edward. The barracks caught fire ; and, separated 
from them only by a thin partition, was a magazine contain- 
ing 300 barrels of gunpowder. The men fled in alarm from 
the scene of danger ; but Putnam persisted in pouring water 
on the flames, put out the fire, and at the expense of some 
severe burns saved the fort. He was in the field ploughing, 
when he heard of the battle of Lexington. Leaving his 
plough where it was, without even changing his clothes, he 
hastened to Cambridge. The British oflered him the rank 
of major-general and a large sum of money if he would de- 
sert the American cause ; but the sturdy patriot scornfully 
refused, and paid them for the insult on the bloody field of 
Bunker Hill. 



CHAPTER IV. 

INVASIONOF CANADA. 

299. The day before the battle of Bunker Hill, Washing- 
ton accepted the ofiice of commander-in-chief, expressing liis 
sense of the high responsibilities it involved, and declining 
to receive any remuneration except the payment of his ex- 
penses. After removing his mother to a place of safety, he 
set out at once for Cambridge, where he arrived July 2d, 
1115. He found an army of 14,500 men, with little or no 
knowledge of military manoeuvres. Months of constant 
drilling were spent in making them efiective soldiers. There 
were no engineers ; and almost every difiiculty that can be 
conceived had to be encoimtered in conducting the siege. 
Even powder was wanting ; and it was with great difficulty 
that a small supjDly was obtained. 

happened to him in 1756 ? Shortly afterwards, -where was he surprised by the Indians ? 
How did he escape '? What other story is told, illustrating Putnam''s presence of mind ? 
IIow was he engaged when he heard of the hattle of Lexington? What did he do? 
What offer was made him by the British ? How was it received ? 

299. What did Washington do on the day before the battle of Bunker Hill ? What 
were his nixt movements? What state of things did he find, on arriving at Cambridge? 



17T5] Arnold's expedition. 215 

300. On the 6th of July, Congress in an able manifesto set 
forth its reasons for taking up arms. It also estabhshed a 
line of posts for the commnnication of mtelligence, nncler the 
superintendence of Franklin. This same month, Georgia, 
which had not before taken part in the movement, joined 
her sister colonies, and chose delegates to Congress. 

301. Knowing that large stores were collected at Quebec, 
and believing that the people would join in the Revolution 
if opportunity offered. Congress determined on an expedi- 
tion agamst Canada, and placed General Montgomery at its 
head. St. John's surrendered to the invaders on the 3d of 
November; the country was overrun, and Montreal was 
taken. The time for which many of the American soldiers 
had enlisted now ran out; and, as they msisted on returning, 
Montgomery was left A\'ith no more than 300 followers to 
advance upon Quebec. 

Meanwhile, 1,100 Americans, under Benedict Arnold, now 
raised to the rank of colonel, were marching through the 
northern wilderness of Maine to the succor of their coun- 
trymen. No one at the present day can estimate the hard- 
ships which that devoted band were called on to endure ; now 
forcing their way through tangled thickets and over path- 
less mountains; and now wading through swollen rivers, 
pushing their boats before them, or borne away by rapids 
and struggling for life amid the waves; — worn out, sick, cold, 
hungry, disheartened. Not a few gave up the expedition, 
and returned to Massachusetts. With some of his bravest 
men, Arnold pushed on to a French village for supplies, leav- 
ing the rest of his force in a most critical position. The last 
ox was killed and distributed ; the last dog was eaten with 
avidity; then roots and moose-skin moccasins were their 
only resoru'ce. When the aid sent back by Arnold reached 
the famished band, they had eaten nothing for two days. 

300. What was done by Congress in July, 1775 ? What action was taken by Georgia ? 

301. Whither did Congress determine to send an expedition ? What led them to do so ? 
Who was placed at its head? What places were taken by Montgomery ? What then 
put a stop to his victorious movements? How many remained with him, to proceed 
against Qiiebec ? Who was advancing to his aid? With how many men ? By what 
route? Give an account of the difficuUies encountered by Arnold's men. How did lie 



216 



INVASION OF CANADA. 



[' 



Even such suffering, however, could not discourage these 
brave hearts. Among them were not a few noted in later 
times — Morgan, Greene, and Meigs [megz], all benefactors 
of their country, — and Aaron Burr, then a youth of 20, after- 
Avards Vice-President of the United States. 

At last, surmounting incredible obstacles, the heroic band 
stood before Quebec, and effected a junction with the army 
of Montgomery, who took command of the whole. Together 
they numbered but 900 effective men. A commander less 
brave and energetic would have shrunk from attacking those 
massive walls with so insignificant a force. Montgomery 
hesitated not ; he had been there before under Wolfe, and 
remembered his glorious example. After besieging the jDlace 
three weeks, and finding that his few small cannon could 
make no impression on its defences, on the last day of the 
year 1115, with the approval of his officers and men, he pre- 
pared for an assault. 

302. Four divisions is- 
sued from the American 
camp, two of which were 
to make feigned attacks 
for the purpose of dis- 
tracting the enemy's at- 
tention. Montgomery 
was to approach along 
the St. Lawrence, Ar- 
nold by the St. Charles ; 
and both, having united 
their forces, were to 
storm the Prescott gate. 
Montgomery, having 
toiled over enormous 
masses of ice, amid drift- 




ana 
THETIClXIT"i' 



save them from perishing ? What was their condition when relief arrived ? Mention 
some of Arnold's followers who afterwards became noted. At last, where did they ar- 
rive? Who took the command? How many effective men were found in both divi- 
sions? What was the prospect of success? How long did Montgomery besiege Que- 
bec? What did he find? On what did he then resolve? What day was selected for 
the attack ? 302. [See Map.— At the confluence of what two rivers is Quebec situated ? 



1775] FALL OF MONTGOMERY. 217 

ing snow which nearly blinded him, saw a rude blockhouse 
defended by a battery of three-pounders. " Men of New 
York," he cried, " you wiU not fear to follow where your 
general leads ! March on." Rushing at the head of his 
troops to the assault, he was almost immediately swept doTVTi, 
with both his aids and a number of privates, by a discharge 
of grape-shot. Disheartened by the loss of their leader, the 
rest of the division retreated to Wolfe's Cove. 

Arnold's narrow path to the lower city was commanded 
by muskets and cannon. Advancing at the head of his divi- 
sion, he received a ball in the leg, which obliged him to leave 
the field and give up the command to Captain Morgan. The 
first barrier was carried, and the city entered. But vnth 
only 200 men, most of whose muskets were rendered useless 
by the snow, it was impossible for Morgan either to carry 
the defences before him or to make good a retreat. Over- 
powering forces gathered around, and he was compelled to 
surrender. In this assault 160 Americans were killed and 
426 made prisoners. The British loss was only 20. 

303. The death of Montgomery was regarded as a na- 
tional calamity. Even in Britain eulogies on his character 
were delivered. Arnold with his remaining force encamped 
about three miles from the city, and continued the blockade. 
He was superseded in April, 1776, by Gen. Wooster, who, 
the following month, gave way to Gen. Thomas. Quebec 
still maintained a successful resistance ; and rumors of Carle- 
ton's approach with a powerful army soon reached the Amer- 
ican camp. A hasty retreat was made, and the whole of 
Canada was recovered by the British. 



What village near Point Levi? In what direction from the city was the battle-field of 
Wolfe and Montcalm ?] State Montgomery's plan of attack. Give an account of Mont- 
gomery's movements and fall. Give an account of Arnold's movements. To whom did 
he leave the command ? What advantage did Morgan at first gain ? What was the final 
result? What was the loss on both sides? 303. How was the death of Montgomery 
regarded? What course did Arnold pursue? By whom was he superseded? What 
obliged the Americans to retreat ? 

10 



218 SIEGE AND EVACUATION OF BOSTON. 



CHAPTER V. 

SIEGE AND EVACUATION OF BOSTON. 

304. The idea of a complete separation from Britain, origi- 
nated, as we have seen, in North Carolina, began to gain 
ground in the colonies ; but Congress still determined on a 
last appeal. A petition for redress was sent to England, but 
received no attention from either king or Parliament. On 
the contrary, acts were passed prohibiting trade with the 
colonies, and authorizing the capture of American vessels, the 
hiring of German soldiers, and the transportation of 25,000 
additional Enghsh troops to the new world. On this. Con- 
gress gave up all hope of reconciliation, and prepared for a 
vigorous defence. Military stores were collected. Powder 
was bought in foreign ports, and its manufacture was com-, 
menced at home. Privateers were commissioned, from the 
bold attacks of which British commerce suffered much till 
the termination of the war. 

305. In the fall of 1775, Gen. Gage was superseded by 
Sir William Howe, after having sent British men-of-war to 
ravage different parts of the coast. Falmouth [faF-muth\ 
now Portland, Maine, Avas levelled to the ground. Other 
places were threatened. Newport escaped only by contrib- 
uting a weekly supply for the fleet. 

306. The British still had hopes of deterring New YorK 
from taking part against the king, and Governor Tryon was 
authorized to use persuasion, threats, and even bribery, with 
its citizens for that purpose. Congress, however, baffled his 
efforts by ordering that all persons dangerous to the hberties 
of America should be seized ; for on this, the governor took 
refuge on a British ship. — Lord Dunmore was still giving 

304. In the hope of reconciliation, what step was taken by Congress ? How was the 
petition received? "What acts were passed by Parliament? How did Congress then 
feel ? What defensive steps were taken ? 305. In the fall of 1T75, who was made 
British commander-in-chief? What place was bombarded ? How did Newport escape 
a similar fate ? 306. What means did Gov. Tryon take for retaining the people of New 
Tork in their allegiance ? How did Congress baffle his efforts? Give an account of 



1775] 



ACTIVE OPERATIONS COMMENCED. 



219 



trouble in Virginia. Towards the close of 1775, he attacked 
a body of provincials near Norfolk, but was defeated. A 
royal vessel having arrived soon after, he gratified his re- 
venge by reducing the place to ashes. Famine, sickness, 
and storms, finally compelled him to retire with his fleet to 
the West Indies. 

307. Winter passed without hostilities between the two 
armies at Boston. 
The country was 
impatient to hear 
of some great vic- 
tory,and Congress 
urged Washing- 
ton to attack the 
enemy ; but, ham- 
pered by a want 
of ammunition 
and other neces- 
saries, it was not 
till March 2nd 
(1776) that he 
deemed it pru- 
dent to act on the 
offensive. Gen. 
Thomas was sent 
by night to throw 
up intrenchments 
on Dorchester 
Heights, which commanded the city and harbor. Though 
the ground was frozen, the work progressed rapidly. On 
discovering the movement of the Americans in the morning, 
Howe resolved to drive them from their position. A storm 
prevented him from making the attempt till they were too 
strongly fortified to be dislodged. Unable to hold the city 

Lord Dunmore's movements. 307. What was the state of things in the American camp 
before Boston ? What did Congress urge Washington to do ? When did he commence 
tlie attack ? What was his first offensive movement ? [See Map.— Where are Dorches- 
ter Heights? Who commanded the American right wing? The centre? The left 
wing?] What was Howe's first determination? What changed it? What was he 




220 BRITISH ATTACK ON CHARLESTON. [l776 

in the face of the battery on the heights, Howe was obhged 
to evacuate Boston; and, on the 17th of March, the \vhole 
land and naval force of Britain, with about 1,500 loyahsts, 
left the harbor. This event was hailed with joy by the de- 
fenders of America, particularly by those patriots who had 
been shut up in the besieged city. They had hardly been 
able to obtain the necessaries of life. Provisions had risen 
to four times their usual value. Wood had become so scarce 
that the pews of churches, the counters of stores, and the 
timber of unoccupied buildings, had been used for fuel. The 
thanks of Congress were voted to the besieging army, and 
a gold medal was struck in commemoration of the event. 



CHAPTER YI. 

BRITISH ATTACK ON CHARLESTON. DECLARATION OF INDE- 
PENDENCE. 

308. The British directed their first active operations in 
1116 against the south. On the 4th of June, Admiral 
Parker appeared off Charleston with a strong fleet direct 
from England, conveying 2,500 troops, of which Gen. Clinton 
took the command. The people of CaroUna, having received 
intelligence of the intended attack, were not unprepared for 
it. Six thousand men had collected in and about the city. 
A fort of palmetto-wood and earth, hastily erected on Sulli- 
van's Island, and defended by 26 cannon and 500 brave men 
under Col. Moultrie, commanded the channel. Another fort 
on the opposite side of the island was held by Col. Thomp- 
son. Gen. Lee had hastened from the north, to conduct the 
defence. 

On the 28th of June, the British commenced a heavy can- 

finally compelled to do? When did he evacuate Boston? Describe the condition of 
those within the city during the siege. How did Congress show their gratitude for this 
success ? 

308. Against what place was the first offensive movement of the British in 1776 di- 
rected ? Who conducted the attack ? What preparations had been made by the people 
of Carolina ? Who commanded them ? Describe the attack and defence on the 28th of 



1776] 



DEFENCE OF FOET MOULTRIE. 



221 



nonade on Fort Sullivan (afterwards called Moultrie in honor 
of its gallant defender). The wood of which it was built was 
so soft, that, instead of sphtting, it closed over the balls that 
struck it, without receiving any injury. Kot so, however, 
with the British ships, on which the patriots poured a de- 
structive fire. At one time, the quarter-deck of Parker's 
flag-ship was cleared of every man except the admiral him- 
self. Gen, Clinton landed 2,500 men on Long Island and 
attempted to cross to Sullivan's Island, but Thompson's rifle- 
men drove him back. 





SERGEANT JASPER AT PORT MOULTRIE. 



Many heroic deeds that will live in history, were performed 
that day. The first republican flag unfurled in the south 



June. [See Map, p. 269. — In what direction was Fort Moultrie from Charleston ? What 
islands in Charleston harbor?] What is said of Admiral Parker's flag-ship? What at- 
tempt was made by Clinton ? Give an account of Jasper's exploit. How did Gen. Eut- 



222 BRITISH ATTACK ON CHARLESTON. [l776 

waved over the palmetto fort. Early in the action it was cut 
down by a cannon-ball, and fell upon the beach. Sergeant 
Jasper leaped over the parapet, recovered the flag, fastened 
it to a staff*, and again set it up, amid a shower of balls from 
the British fleet. Gov. Rutledge rewarded the hero by pre- 
senting him his own sword and a lieutenant's commission. 
The former he accepted, but modestly declined the latter, 
saying that since he could neither read nor write he was not 
fit to be an officer. 

Late in the action. Admiral Parker ordered the crew of 
one of his vessels, which was disabled, to set her on fire and 
abandon her. The ship was left with guns loaded and colors 
flying. No sooner had her crew departed than she was 
boarded by the Americans, who carried •ofiT her flags and 
bells, fired her guns at Parker's ship, and bore away three 
boatloads of stores. 

For more than nine hours the British kept up the attack, 
but without making any impression on the fort. Only ten 
Americans were killed, and 22 wounded. The enemy's loss 
in killed and wounded amounted to 225. After lying to a 
few days to refit, the fleet sailed for the north. 

309. On the evacuation of Boston by the British, Wash- 
ington set out with most of his army for New York, now 
threatened by the enemy. He arrived there April 14th, 
1776. Feeling that nothing could be done with men whose 
terms of service were constantly expiring, he prevailed on 
Congress to provide for a three years' enlistment and to offer 
a bounty of $10 to each recruit. The army at New York 
was thus in a few months increased to 27,000 men ; but 
nearly half of them were unfit for duty from sickness or a 
lack of arms. Even had this whole force consisted of effec- 
tive men, it would have been insufficient for the defence of a 
fine 15 miles long, any point of which was hable to attack. 
Fortifications commenced by Gen. Lee before the arrival of 

ledge reward the hero ? What other achievement was performed? How long did the 
British keep up the attack? What was the result? Mention the loss on both sides. 
809. On the evacuation of Boston, where did Washington go? When did he arrive in 
New York? What did he induce Congress to do? How large an army was thus 
raised? What was its condition? How long a line had to be defended? What was 



1776] DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 223 

Washington, were completed and extended. A detachment 
was stationed at Brooklyn, on the western extremity of Long 
Island, opposite ISTew York, and there also defensive works 
were constructed. 

310. The Virginia Legislature had reconmiended Congress 
to declare the colonies absolved fi-om theii' allegiance to the 
croAvn ; and similar requests were made from various quar- 
ters. On the Yth of June, 1116^ Richard Henry Lee, of Va., 
moved that these United Colonies are and of right ought to 
he free and bidependent states. Thomas Jefferson, ofVa., 
John Adams, of Mass., Benjamin Franklin, of Penn., Roger 
Sherman, of Conn., and Robert R. Livingston, of New York, 
were appointed a committee to draft a Declaration of Lide- 
pendence. Jefferson, as chairman, prepared the important 
document. It was reported to Congress, and after being 
discussed several days and shghtly amended, was adoj^ted at 
two o'clock on the 4th of July, 1776. 

On this eventful day, the streets of Philadelphia were 
crowded with excited citizens, anxious to learn the decision 
of Congress. The bell-ringer of the old state-house had taken 
his post in the steeple at an early hour, that he might lose no 
time in annoimcing to the people that their independence 
was formally declared. The old man had grown impatient 
at the delay, when suddenly he heard the joyful shout 
"Ring! Ring!" from his boy, whom he had stationed to 
give him notice of the anticipated event. Loudly pealed the 
old bell, and as loudly were its tones greeted by the delight- 
ed citizens. The glorious declaration was signed by all the 
members present, and the thirteen colonies were thenceforth 
known as " the Thirteen United States of America". 

The news was everywhere hailed with joy. Washington, 
on receiving a copy of the document, caused the troops to be 
paraded and the Declaration to be read to each brigade. 
The citizens of New York pulled down the leaden statue of 

done at Brooklyn ? 310. What was Congress now importuned to do? Who made the 
first motion on this subject? Mention the names of the committee appointed to draft a 
Declaration. Who prepared the document? How was it receiv^ed by Congress ? What 
is said of the people of Philadelphia ? What, of the bell-ringer of the state-house ? By 
whom was the Declaration signed ? What were the thirteen colonies thenceforth styled ? 



224 BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. [l776 

George III. from its pedestal in the Bowling Green, and 
afterwards had it moulded into republican bullets. In Phil- 
adelpliia, the people illuminated their houses, lighted bonfires, 
tore down the king's arms from the court-house, and burned 
them in the streets. In Boston, the Declaration was pubUcly 
read in Faneuil Hall, amid the acclamations of assembled 
thousands. 



CHAPTER YII. 

BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 

311. On evacuating Boston, General Howe went to Hali- 
fax, whence he soon after set sail for New York. By the 
8th of July, he had landed 9,000 men on Staten Island, and 
four days afterwards his brother. Admiral Howe, arrived 
^-ith reinforcements fi'om England. These, with Clinton's 
detachment and subsequent arrivals, swelled the British army 
to 30,000 men. Of these, a large part were Germans, gener- 
ally known as Hessians, because most of them were furnished 
by the Landgrave of Hes^-se Cas^-sel. The British govern- 
ment paid the princes fi'om whom they hired these mercena- 
ries $36 for each man, and guaranteed to protect their do- 
minions from attack. 

312. Gen. Howe had been instructed to try conciliatory 
measures with the Americans. Accordingly he issued a 
proclamation, offering pardon to all who would return to 
"their allegiance. Congress caused this document to be pub- 
lished in the papers of the day, to show the people that the 
kingr would still be satisfied with nothing but their absolute 
submL'^sion. Howe next sent an officer to the American 
camp Wrjth a letter addressed to George Washington, Esq, 
"WashingLvjQji would not receive it, inasmuch as it did not 

What did Washing. crton Qjq on receiving the news? What denionstrations were made in 
New York? In Ph,jiadelphia? In Boston? 

311. What course dl^^j jj^we take, on leaving Boston ? On the 8th of July, what did 
he do ? By whom wa^ ^je joined ? How large an army did he soon have ? From what 
country did a large part ^f jjjem come? What were they called ? On what terms did 
the British government prv^^iirg these mercenaries? 312. What had Howe been instruct- 



lire] BRITISH PLAN OF ATTACK. 225 

recognize his public position. The address was then altered 
to George Washington, &c., &c. ; and the officer who brought 
the letter tried to satisfy the commander that these cmd-so- 
forths bore any meaning he might wish to give them. Wash- 
ington still dechned. He would receive no letters, he in- 
formed the British officer, that were not directed to him as 
commander of the American army. He had heard that Lord 
Howe was empowered to grant pardons ; but, as those who 
were guilty of no fault needed no pardon, he did not see the 
necessity for any communication. 

313. These attempts having failed, Howe determined to 
assume the offensive without further delay. On the 2 2d of 
August (1776), General CUnton crossed from Staten Island 
to the southwest point of Long Island with 10,000 men and 
40 cannon. Nine thousand Americans had been stationed in 
and about Brooklyn under Generals Sullivan and Stirhng, 
and Putnam was hastily sent over from New York, to take 
the chief command. The British landed without opposition, 
and advanced in three divisions, by three different roads, 
crossing the thickly-wooded heights that ran across the island 
and separated them from the Americans. Gen. Grant took 
the direct left-hand route along New York Bay. The Brit- 
ish centre, consistmg of Hessians under Gen. Heister \hise'- 
ter\ advanced by the Flatbush road. Clinton, who com- 
manded on the right, was to take a circuitous route and fall 
on Sullivan's rear. The attack was skilfully planned and 
well carried out. 

On the morning of the 27th, Grant advanced as far as the 
hills now embraced in Greenwood Cemetery. Here he was 
met by Stirling T^dth 1,500 men, and an engagement ensued 
without any positive advantage on either side. Heister pushed 
on to within a short distance of Gen. Sullivan, and kept ujJ a 
brisk cannonade on his front. It was answered with spirit 
by the Americans, till, to their dismay, they heard a distant 

ed to do ? Give an account of his efforts at negotiation. 313. On what did Howe now 
resolve? What was done by the British, August 22, 1776? How many Americans 
were stationed near Brooklyn ? By whom were they commanded ? How many roads 
crossed the heights of Long Island ? Give an account of the British advance. What 

10* 



226 



BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 



[l7T6 







THE BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 

Americans i ii ii — i. British ■■ 



firing behind them. Clinton had gained the Jamaica road, 
and was rapidly advancing on their rear. Almost smToimd- 
ed, they could hope for safety only in a hasty retreat. This 
Sulhvan attempted ; but it was tx)o late. The British already 
held the road, and drove his men back on the Hessians. Only 
a few forced theii* way through Clinton's ranks. After a 
desperate struggle, SuUivan, with many of his ofiicers and 
men, was obliged to surrender. 

Cornwallis [corn-wor-lis'] hastened on towards the Bay, to 
cut off Stu'hng's division. A sharp conflict ensued, and the 
Americans, driving the enemy back, reached Go-wan'-us 
Creek. In trying to cross this stream, a number were 
drowned ; others feared to attempt the passage, and were 



was Clinton's division to do? [See Map.— What bay east of Brooklyn? Where did 
the British land? What British vessels below the Narrows? What village near Gen. 
Sullivan's position ?] Give an account of Grant's movements. Of Heister's. Of Clin- 
ton's. How was Sullivan's retreat cut off? What became of him and his men? De- 



1776] KETREAT OF THE AMERICANS. 227 

made prisoners. Stirling himself was taken, and compara- 
tively few of his men reached Fort Putnam in safety. The 
British were completely victorious. Their loss was but 367 
in killed and wounded ; that of the Americans amounted to 
1,650, 1,100 of whom were prisoners. The latter, doomed 
to suffer in loathsome prison-ships, almost regretted that they 
had not fallen on the field. 

314. While the battle was still raging, Washington crossed 
from New York. With anguish he beheld the slaughter of 
his best troops ; nor could he attempt their relief with men 
from the fort, for already the garrison w^as too small for its 
defence. All he could hope to do was to save the remnant 
of the army. Fortunately Howe did not attack the fort, 
but, encamping about a third of a mile from it, waited for 
the fleet to come uj3. The next morning (August 28th), the 
British commenced firing on the fort. At midnight a heavy 
fog arose, which hid the armies from each other throughout 
the foUowig day. On the evening of the 29th, the men 
were silently paraded, and about midnight they commenced 
embarking from the point now occupied by the Fulton Ferry. 
The boats moved noiselessly with muflled oars ; and in the 
course of six hours, the whole army, with their baggage and 
munitions, the heavy artillery alone excepted, crossed in 
safety to New York. Washington remained till the last 
company had embarked. He had not slept for two days, so 
great was his anxiety to save his men. 

315. Secure of his prey, Howe had no suspicion of what 
was going on. A woman living near the ferry discovered 
the movement, and sent a negro to the British general with 
the intelligence. But providentially falling into the hands of 
the Hessians, who could not understand what he said, he was 
detained till his information was too late to be of value. 
When the discovery was made, soon after dawn, a troop of 

scribe Stirling's engagement vnth Cornwallis. What was the fate of Stirling's division ? 
What was the loss on both sides ? What was the fate of the prisoners ? 314 What is 
said of Washington ? Where did Howe encamp? Give an account of the movements 
of August 2Sth and 29th. Describe the retreat to New Tork. 815. By whom was the 
movement of the Americans discovered? How was the intelligence prevented from 
reaching Gen. Howe ? What was found soon after dawn ? What did Howe do ? What 



228 BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. [l776 

British horse was dispatched to the river, but the last boat 
of the retreating Americans was beyond their reach. Mor- 
tified that he had allowed the enemy to escape, Howe took 
possession of Fort Putnam, and allowed his men a few days' 
rest. 

The overthrow on Long Island was every way disastrous 
to the Americans. Besides their actual loss, it deprived the 
army of theu' self-confidence, led to the desertion of hun- 
dreds, and prevented many from espousing the republican 
cause. The defeat of the Americans is attributable in part 
to their total want of cavalry, but principally to their neg- 
lecting to have a sufficient guard on the Jamaica road. It 
is said that a single regiment at the proper point could have 
prevented Cfinton's advance. 

316. Supposing that the Americans might now incline to 
peace, Howe sent Sullivan on parole with a proposition to 
Congress. A committee was appointed by that body to 
confer with the British general ; but, as neither party would 
make concessions, nothing was effected. Frankfin was on 
this committee ; and, when Howe spoke of England's being 
ready to protect the colonies, he begged to assure his lord- 
ship that the colonies felt fully able to protect themselves. 

317. The British army was soon ready to attack New 
York, and Washington felt that Avith the means at his com- 
mand he could not successfully oppose them. Accordingly, 
he removed his stores to the forts above the city, and com- 
menced retreating to the north. It being highly important 
to gain some knowledge of Howe's movements. Captain 
Nathan Hale, of Connecticut, undertook to visit the British 
camp as a spy. He reached the English lines in safety, and 
obtained the desired information. On his way back, how- 
ever, he was recognized by a tory relative, who arrested him 
and took him to Howe's head-quarters. He was executed 
on the 22d of September. The services of a clergyman, and 

was the effect of the battle of Long Island? To what is the defeat of the Americans 
attributable? 316. What attempt at negotiation was now made? How did it result? 
What answer was made by Franklin ? 317. What were Washington's next movements ? 
What dangerous enterprise was undertaken by Capt. Nathan Hale ? Give an account 
of it. What was Hale's fate ? 



1776] Washington's ketkeat. 229 

even the use of a Bible, were denied him ; and letters which 
he had written to his mother and sisters were destroyed. 
His last words were, " I only regret that I have but one Hfe 
to give to my country." 



CHAPTER YIII. 

WASHINGTON'S RETREAT. BATTLE OF WHITE PLAINS. 

318. On the 15th of September, a large detachment of 
the British army crossed the East River, three miles above 
the city, and spread out across the island. Most of the 
American army had made good their retreat towards the 
Harlem River ; but the rear-guard, consisting of 4,000 men 
under Putnam, would have been cut off, had not a whig 
lady, at whose house the British generals called for refresh- 
ments, managed to detain them with her hospitalities till the 
danger was past. Putnam's men had been fifteen hours 
under arms, and not a few fell before reaching camp from 
the effects of fatigue and excessive heat. 

319. So discouraged were the Americans by then* recent 
disasters that Washington found some vigorous movement 
necessary to restore their confidence. The morning after the 
British landed, an opportunity occurred. Several parties of 
the enemy approached the American camp. Engaging their 
attention by an attack in front, Washington sent Colonel 
Knowlton and Major Leitch to fall upon their rear. The 
British, though reinforced, were driven from the field with 
the loss of more than 100 men. The Americans lost about 
half that number, among whom were the two brave officers 
just mentioned. 

320. The British now held possession of New York. At 
midnight on the 20th of September, a fire broke out in the 



318. What movement was made by the British, September 15, 1776 ? Whither had 
the main body of the American army retreated ? How was their rear-guard saved ? 
319, What took place on the morning of September 16th ? What was the loss on both 
sides? 320. What took place in New York, on the 20th of September? Meanwhile, 



230 BATTLE OF WHITE PLAINS. [l776 

city, which was not arrested till 493 buildings, including 
Trinity Church, were consumed. Meanwhile the Americans 
were strengthening their position on the upper part of the 
island. A double line of intrenchments was hastily thrown 
up, and Fort "Washington was erected on a rocky height 
overlooking the Hudson. Among those who distinguished 
themselves by their skill in the construction of these de- 
fences was Alexander Hamilton, now about 20 years of age. 
The mathematical perfection of his work elicited the admi- 
ration of Washington, who invited him to his quarters, and 
soon made him his chief aid-de-camp and counsellor. 

321. Deeming the American works too strong to be at- 
tacked in front, Howe determined to gain their rear ; and, 
having sent part of his fleet up the Hudson to prevent 
communication mth the west and south, he moved up the 
Sound with the greater part of his army, and took a posi- 
tion northeast of Washington's camp. To avoid an engage- 
ment, the American commander, after leaving a garrison of 
about 3,000 men in Fort Washington, which it was resolved 
to hold to the last extremity, withdrew his main body from 
Manhattan Island, and after a trying march fixed his head- 
quarters at White Plains. On the 28th of October, Howe 
came up, and a furious cannonade commenced. The Amer- 
icans, having been driven from one of their positions, fell 
back a short distance, and intrenched themselves so strongly 
during the ensuing night that Howe deemed it prudent to 
wait for reinforcements. Before he was ready to renew the 
attack, Washington withdrew to North Castle, among the 
hills south of the Croton River. Howe did not follow, but, 
after remaining several days at White Plains, retired to- 
wards New York. 

322. The plans of the British general were not known ; 
but Washington, apprehending a descent upon Philadelphia, 
left Gen. Lee with about 4,000 men at North Castle, and 



what were the Americans doing ? Who distinguished himself in this work ? To what 
post was Hamilton soon raised ? 321. What were the next movements of the British ? 
How did Washington meet them ? Where did he fix his head-quarters? What took 
place, October 28th ? Where did Washington finally go? What did Howe do? 322. 



^776] 



CAPTURE OF FOKT WASHINGTON. 



231 



crossed the Hudson. 
He fixed his head- 
quarters at Fort Lee 
[see Map], a post on 
the Jersey shore, near- 
ly opposite Fort Wash- 
ington, held by Gen- 
eral Greene. Here he 
received intelligence 
from the north. Ar- 
nold had bravely met 
the British naval force 
on Lake Champlain. 
CrowTi Point was in 
possession of the ene- 
my, but Ticonderoga 
seemed to be safe for 
the season. 

323. On the 17th 
of November, Fort 
Washington was un- 
expectedly attacked 
by an overwhelming 
force. The American 
chief sent a message 
acToss the river to the 
commandant to hold 
out till evening, that 
he might try to bring off the garrison. But then- ammuni- 
tion failed, and the fort was. surrendered with 2,818 men. 
The British had nearly 1,000 killed and wounded. The loss 
of this stronghold caused a general depression among the 
friends of America. Washington was censured for attempt- 
ing to hold the post, as well as for want of courage in not 

What did Washington apprehend? What course did he pursue? [See Map.— Where 
did the British land, October 12? What river lay between their route and that of the 
Americans? What river still further to the west?] Where did Washington fix his 
bead-quarters? What intelligence did he here receive? 323. What took place, No- 
vember 17th ? How many Americans surrendered ? What was the British loss ? "What 




AMEEIOAN [l 



] AND BRITISH [l 



AKMIES AT WHITE PLAINS. 



232 WASHINGTON- RETREATS ACROSS NEW JERSEY. [l77G 

meeting the enemy in the field. Without knowing the dis- 
advantages mider which he labored, many condemned his 
successive retreats, which alone insured the safety of his 
army and the ultimate establishment of American Hberty. 

324. On the 19th of November, the British crossed the 
Hudson. After taking Fort Lee, which was abandoned on 
their approach, they started in pursuit of Washington's army, 
now reduced to 3,000 men. Orders had been sent to Lee, 
to bring on his detachment from North Castle, but they 
were disobeyed on various pretexts. A rapid and melan- 
choly retreat across New Jersey was conducted by Wash- 
ington in his usual masterly manner, the British pressing 
closely on his rear. The American troops suffered much, 
many of them being mthout shoes, and leaving blood-stained 
tracks on the frozen ground. At last they reached the Del- 
aware at Trenton, and, the boats having been secured for a 
distance of 70 miles, crossed to Pennsylvania. Cornwallis 
came up soon after ; but, instead of bridging the river or 
building boats, he preferred waiting till the ice should enable 
him to cross, stationing detachments in Princeton, New 
Brunswick, and various points on the Jersey shore of the 
Delaware. 



CHAPTER IX. 

BATTLES OF TRENTON AND PRINCETON. 

325. Washington's army seemed on the eve of dissolu- 
tion. The defeats it had sustained, its lamentable condition, 
and the news of advantages gained by the British in Rhode 
Island and elsewhere, led to constant desertions, and deterred 
those who favored the patriot cause from arming in its de- 
was the effect of the capture of Fort Washington ? 324. What was the next movement 
of the British ? How large was Washington's army ? Wiiat orders were sent to Lee ? 
Describe the retreat of the Americans. What was their condition ? How far did Corn- 
wallis continue the pursuit? While waiting to cross on the ice, what disposition did 
ho make of his troops ? 
325. What was the condition of Washington's army ? "What causes led to desertions ? 



1776] 



BATTLE OF TKENTON. 



233 



fence. Philadelphia was in danger, and Congress deemed it 
prudent to remove to Baltimore. General Lee, advancing 
leisurely in spite of Washington's commands, and taking 
quarters at a distance from his troops, was captured by a 
scouting party of the enemy. But SuUivan, who had been 
exchanged for a British general, succeeded to his command, 
and speedily effected a union with Washington. About the 
same time, some recruits from Pennsylvania reached the 
American camp, and the commander-in-chief thus found him- 
self at the head of about 5,000 men. 

326. To revive the spirits of his countrymen, Washington 
resolved on a bold enterprise. Trenton was occupied by 
1,500 Hessians under Col. Rahl, and a troop of British horse. 
Supposing that the Germans, according to their custom, would 
spend Christmas in revelry, and rest soundly after their ca- 
rousals, he determined to attemj^t a surprise. The night of 
December 25th was starless and stormy. The Delaware was 
full of ice. Two divisions of the American army were unable 
to cross ; but the third, under Washington and Sullivan, 
made the passage, and at four on the morning of the 26th com- 
menced their march for Trenton. 

The surprise was suc- 
sessful. Col. Rahl, still 
engaged in his revels, was 
suddenly startled by the 
sound of musketry. Has- 
tening to his men, he 
found them hemmed in 
on all sides, and, while 
endeavoring to form them 

for action, he was mortal- movements about tkenton, dec. 26, mo- 
ly wounded. Nearly a jan. 3, 1777. 

thousand Hessians at once threw down their arms. The rest. 









?Q^|l t 


Maidenli^ad J 


"« •"1 Iw2 § 


J 


^0 X E [^ 3,/ ^Jmencans 


,J 


^'ll^^-ji!^^!3J!^-^-'~\4lsv^!!Mlii^ A 


^^My^^^^ricajis Jan. 2 


N^_^_A>j 







What did Congress deem it prudent to do ? What befell Gen. Lee ? What became of 
his army? How was Washington's force further increased? 326. On what did Wash- 
ington resolve? By whom was Trenton occupied? Describe the crossing of the Del- 
aware. [See Map.— At the junction of what two streams is Trenton? Which general 
took the route nearest the river?] How was Col. Rahl engaged? What did he do? 
What befell him? How many Hessians surrendered? What was Washington's next 



234 BATTLE OF PRINCETON. [l776 

with the British horse, had made good their escape. Aware 
that he could not hold Trenton against the superior force 
which could be concentrated there in a few hours, Washington 
recrossed the Delaware with his prisoners and spoils. He had 
lost but four men, two of whom w^ere frozen to death. This 
brilliant achievement restored the courage of his men and 
the confidence of the people. Howe, in alarm, ordered Corn- 
wallis, who was on the point of embarking for England, back 
to New Jersey. Congress invested Washington with extra- 
ordinary powers, gave him the absolute control of the war, 
and endeavored to carry out the measures he suggested. 
Fourteen hundred soldiers, whose terms were about expiring, 
w^ere mduced to remain six weeks longer by a bounty of $10 
apiece. 

327. Four days after this victory, Washington again cross- 
ed the Delaware, and took post at Trenton. On the 2d of 
January, 1777, news was received that CornwalHs w^as ap- 
proaching with a powerful force. After some skirmishing 
the Americans fell back, and, night coming on,* both parties 
rested on their arms [see Map, p. 233]. Washmgton did not 
like either to hazard an engagement, or, by a retreat, to leave 
Philadelphia exposed to the enemy. He therefore conceived 
the bold design of marching by a circuitous route to Prince- 
ton and surprising the British force stationed at that place. 
Leaving his fires burning, he silently withdrew his men, and 
early on the morning of the 3d of January reached Princeton. 

The surprise w^ould have been complete, had not the Amer- 
icans met a brigade of the enemy already on the march for 
Trenton. An engagement took place, and the American van, 
under Gen. Mercer, having no bayonets, were driven back. 
The British pursued, but at this moment Washington came 
up and placed himself between his flying troops and the ad- 
vancing enemy. Col. Fitzgerald, his aid, thinking that the 

movement ? How many men did he lose ? What was the effect of this achievement 
on the Americans, on the British, and on Congress? How were 1,400 soldiers induced 
to remain ? 327. On the 2Sth of December, what did Washington do ? A few days 
after, what news was received ? What did the Americans do? [See Map, p. 283.— What 
position did the Americans take, January 2d ? What place was on the Princeton road ?] 
What bold design was conceived by Washington ? How was the surprise prevented ? 



17rr] WASHINGTON RECOVERS NEW JERSEY. 235 

general's death was certain, drew his hat over his face that 
he might not see him fall. A roar of musketry followed, and 
Fitzgerald's heart almost ceased to beat as he looked up to 
ascertain the fate of his commander. To his joy, his beloved 
chief was uninjured. The British were repulsed, but the 
Americans sustained a heavy loss in the fall of Gen. Mercer. 
He was trying to rally his men on foot, when he was struck 
to the ground and surrounded by the enemy. Refusing to 
ask for quarter, he defended himself with his sword, till he 
received a mortal wound from a British bayonet. 

The first intimation received by Cornwallis of his adver- 
sary's successful manoeuvre, was the distant roar of cannon. 
Mortified at hai^ng been out-generalled, he hastened to the 
field of battle, but arrived too late. Washington had 
achieved a victory, and retired. The Americans, completely 
exhausted by want of sleep and their late exertions, at length 
reached Morristown in safety, and there "Washington estab- 
lished his winter-quarters. The British lost about 400, kiUed, 
wounded, and captured, in the battle of Princeton; the Amer- 
icans, one-fourth of that number. 

328. CornwaUis proceeded to New Brunswick, but was 
assailed on the route by hostile parties, who hung on his rear, 
cut oiF stragglers, and embarrassed his movements. The 
brutal outrages of the invaders, particularly the Hessians, 
fi'om which not even the loyalists were exempt, awakened 
general indignation and led many to take arms against them. 
Several expeditions were sent out by Washington, which re- 
sulted in the recovery of the greater part of New Jersey, 
New Brunswick and Amboy being at last the only posts held 
by the British. A scarcity of tents and blankets occasioned 
for a time great distress in the American camp ; but this was 
relieved by a generous contribution from the people of Phil- 
adelphia. 

Give an account of the engagement. Wbat story is told of Washington's exposure? 
Who gained the victory ? Kelate the circumstances of Gen. Mercer's fall. What was 
Cornwallis's first intimation of Washington's movement ? What did he do ? Where 
did Washington fix his winter-quarters? What was the loss on both sides in the battle 
of Princeton? 328. What is said of Ccrnwallis's march to New Brunswick ? What led 
many to take up arms against tlie British ? To wbat posts in Jersey were the British at 
last confined ? What occasioned distress in the American camp ? How was it relieved ? 



236 LA Fayette's arrival. [1776 

CHAPTER X. 

LA FAYETTE'S ARRIVAL. TRYON IN CONNECTICUT. CAPTURE 

OF GEN. PRESCOTT. 

329. In March, 1776, Congress had sent Silas Deane, of 
Connecticut, to soHcit the aid of France. He was joined by 
Benjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee. The French court, al- 
ways hostile to England, listened to the American commis- 
sioners with respectful attention, but hesitated to lend any 
open assistance to a cause whose chance of success seemed so 
slender. Aid, however, was secretly furnished. More than 
20,000 stands of arms and 1,000 barrels of powder reached 
America in the course of the ensuing year. 

The nobility of France generally looked on the movements 
of the American people as a rebellion against their lawful 
sovereign ; and, though they heartily disliked England, they 
felt little sympathy with the republican cause. There was 
one among them, however, a young captain of dragoons, 
who believed the people right in resisting oppression and 
viewed their struggles with admiration. This was the Mar- 
quis de La Fayette [du lah fa-ef]. At an entertainment 
given to a brother of the Enghsh king, he first heard of the 
Declaration of Independence. Its arguments carried con- 
viction to his heart ; and, though allured by brilliant pros- 
pects at home and just married to a woman whom he ten- 
derly loved, he devoted himself to a cause which he felt to 
be as just as it seemed hopeless. Promised by Mr. Deane a 
commission as major-general in the United States army. La 
Fayette determined to set out at once. But there were dif- 
ficulties in the way. His family objected to his going ; the 
British minister opposed it ; and the kmg withheld his per- 
mission. The young marquis, however, was not to be de- 
terred by such obstacles. Purchasing a vessel, he escaped 

329. Who were sent to France to solicit aid for tlie United States? What was the 
re-ult of their efforts? How did the French nohility generally feel towards the Ameri- 
cans ? Who is mentioned as an exception ? Where did La Fayette first hear of the 
Declaration of Indejiendence? What resolve did he at once form? What rank was 



1T77] TRYON IN CONNECTICUT. 237 

the officers sent to detain him, and, with De Kalb and a few 
others who sympathized ^^dth America, arrived at Charleston. 
He received the promised commission in July, 1777, before 
completing his twentieth year. His acquaintance with Wash- 
ington commenced a few days after, and ripened into a firm 
and uninterrupted friendship. 

330. Towards the close of April, 1777, Gov. Try on was 
sent from New York with 2,000 men to destroy some Ameri- 
can stores collected at Danbury, Conn. He accomplished the 
Avork, and, on his return to the coast, gratified his malice by 
plundering the inhabitants and devastating the country. A 
body of nailitia hastily assembled under Generals Wooster, 
Arnold, and Silliman, and handled the marauders so roughly 
that they were glad to reach their boats. Tryon lost about 
300 men ; the Americans one-fifth as many. Gen. Wooster, 
though a man of seventy, fought with all the vigor of youth, 
and was mortally wounded. Arnold received the fire of a 
whole platoon at a distance of thirty yards, but escaped un- 
injured. 

331. Soon after this. Colonel Meigs retaliated, by crossing 
from Connecticut and burning 1 2 British vessels and a large 
quantity of stores at Sag Harbor, near the eastern extremity 
of Long Island. He brought back ninety prisoners, without 
the loss of a single man. 

332. Another exploit, in Rhode Island, showed no little 
daring. The command of the British forces in that quarter 
devolved on Gen. Prescott, whose tyranny excited the indig- 
nation of the inhabitants. Feeling secure in the presence of 
a large naval force in the bay, he fixed his quarters, with, a 
small guard, about five miles from Newport. Lieutenant- 
colonel Barton, of Providence, having received from a de- 
serter a full description of the place, set out with 40 brave 
men, on the night of July 10th, 1777, to capture the British 

promised La Fayette ? What difficulties stood in the way of his going? How did he 
conquer them? When did he obtain his commission? How was he received by Wash- 
ington ? 330. What expedition was undertaken by the British towards the close of April? 
Give an account of the manner in which the invaders were met. What was the loss on 
each side ? 331. Give an account of Meigs' expedition. 832. Who commanded the 
British forces in Ehode Island ? What is said of his conduct ? Where had he fixed his 



238 



CAPTURE OF GEN. PRESCOTT. 



[1777 



general. Rowing silently past the enemy's camp, so near 
that they heard the call of the guard, they landed about a 
mile from Prescott's lodgings, and proceeded thither with 
all sjDeed. A British sentinel demanded the countersign. 
" We have none," rephed Barton, " but have you seen any 
deserters here to-night ?" The sentinel supposed the party 
to be friends, and before he perceived -his mistake, was seized, 
disarmed, and threatened with instant death if he made any 
noise. The Americans soon reached the house. Prescott's 
door w^as locked, but a negro forced it open wdth his head. 
Barton seized the general, w^hom he found sitting up in bed, 




CAPTUKK OF GKN. PRESCOTT. 

and hurried him half-dressed to the boats. A soldier had 
escaped from the building and alarmed the cavalry ; but they 
laughed at his fears, and said that he mu^t have seen a ghost. 
Not till the Americans had reached the shore was the truth 
discovered. The British fleet fired on the brave little party, 
but they escaped uninjured. " You have made a bold push 



quarters? Who undertook to capture him? Give an account of Barton's expedition. 
What passed between Prescott and Barton after they had landed ? How did Congress 
reward this exploit? 833. When did Congress adopt a national flag? Describe it 



1777] 



ADOPTION OF A NATIONAL FLAG. 



239 



to-night," said Prescott, as they landed, beyond the reach of 
pursuit. " We have done as well as we could," answered 
Barton. Congress rewarded this gallant act by presenting 
Barton a sword and promo- 
ting him to the rank of 
colonel. 

333. In July, 1777, Con- 
gress adopted a national flag, 
consisting of thirteen stripes, 
alternately red and white, 
with thirteen white stars in 
a blue field. The number 
of stars was afterwards in- 
creased, a new one being 
added for each new state ad- 
mitted into the Union. " 




FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES 



CHAPTER XI. 

BUEGOYNE'S CAMPAIGN AND SUERENDER. 

334. While Howe was endeavoring to bring Washington 
to an engagement. Gen. Burgoyne, who had concentrated 
an army of 10,000 men in Canada, was advancing towards 
the head-waters of the Hudson. His object was to effect a 
junction with the southern army, after garrisoning the im- 
portant posts on his route and thus cutting off Washington's 
commimication with the eastern states. On the 21st of June 
he gave a war-feast, on the west bank of Lake Champlain, to 
400 Indians, among whom was Little Turtle, afterwards the 
leader of a powerful confederacy. The chiefs promised their 
aid, and, as they looked on his splendid array, believed his 
boastful promise of a speedy triumph over the "rebels". 

The invading host soon reached Ticonderoga, which was 
commanded by Gen. St. Clair and garrisoned by about 3,000 



334. Meanwhile, who had succeeded to the command in Canada? Give an account 
of Burgoyne's movements and object. On the 21st of June, what took place? What 



240 burgoyne's campaign. [1777 

Americans. St. Clair had determined to hold out to the last 
extremity ; but, to his dismay, he soon saw the British erect- 
ing batteries on Mount Defiance [see Map. p. 169], a rocky 
height commanding the fort, which he had deemed inacces- 
sible. A speedy retreat Avas necessary. Before dayhght on 
the 6th of July, the ammunition and stores were on the way 
to Skenesborough [skeens^-bui'-rol, now Whitehall, at the 
head of the Lake. At the same time the army silently 
crossed and took the road for Fort Edward, to join Gen. 
Schuyler [sJci'-ler] and the rest of the northern army. The 
British, after pursuing St. Clair and defeating his rear-guard, 
took Skenesborough and the valuable stores there collected. 
Early in July, Burgoyne had issued a proclamation oifering 
pardon and protection to all who would abandon the rebel 
cause, and threatening those who adhered to it with the seve- 
rest punishment. This was met by Schuyler mth a coimter- 
proclamation in which he reminded his countrymen of the 
protection that had been extended to the people of New Jer- 
sey, and warned them against listening to the deceitful prom- 
ises of the enemy. 

335. The loss of so many strongholds in the north, with- 
out a blow in their defence, produced general alarm, and led 
many to charge Schuyler and St. Clair with inefiiciency ; but 
an investigation instituted by Congress proved that they had 
done all that the means at their command allowed. Some 
of the ablest officers in the American service were ordered 
to the north, to aid in arresting Burgoyne's advance : among 
these were Lincoln, to whom the Massachusetts troops were 
intrusted ; Arnold, noted for his fiery courage ; and Morgan 
with his famous corps of riflemen. Burgoyne's advance was 
slow, for it was necessary to remove the obstructions which 
the Americans had placed in his way. On the 30th of July, 
he reached Fort Edward, which Schuyler was compelled to 

post did Burgoyne soon reach ? Who commanded at Ticonderoga ? What had St. Clair 
resolved? What altered his determination? Give an account of the retreat. What 
were Burgoyne's next movements? What proclamation had Burgoyne issued ? How- 
did Schuyler reply ? 335. With what were Schuyler and St. Clair charged ? What was 
the result of an investigation into their conduct ? What officers were sent to the north ? 
What is said of Burgoyne's advance ? What place was reached, July 30th ? On what 



1777] TRAGICAL FATE OF JANE m'cREA. 241 

abandon. The American army fell back successively on Sar- 
atoga, Stillwater, and the Mohawk, near its jmiction with 
the Hudson. 

336. The Indians who had promised Bm-goyne their friend- 
ship, accompanied his army, committing their usual barbar- 
ities whenever opportimity offered. One of their bloody 
acts at this time excited universal abhorrence. Near Fort 
Edward, in the family of her brother, Hved Jane M'Crea 
[ma-crd'], who was engaged to Lieutenant Jones, of the 
British army. When Burgoyne's approach was announced, 
Mr. M'Crea, being a whig, started for Albany; but Jane, in 
the hope of meeting her lover, ventured to remain mth a 
Mrs. McNeil [7ieel], a neighbor and friend, who, being a 
loyahst and cousin of the British General Frazer, apprehend- 
ed no danger from the approachmg army. On the 27th of 
July, however, the house was surrounded by Indians, and 
Mrs. McNeil and Jane were seized and hurried off by differ- 
ent parties. An alarm having been raised in the American 
camp, they were pursued and fired upon. Mrs. McNeil was 
forced to the ground by her captors that the bullets might 
pass over her, and reached the British camp in safety. Soon 
after, another party of Indians came in, and Mrs. McNeil to 
her horror recognized among the scalps in their possession 
the long glossy haii* of her friend. The Indians were charged 
with having murdered her on the road. They asserted, how- 
ever, that she was killed by an American ball, while they 
w^ere trying to bring her off, and that they had then scalped 
her to obtain the bounty which the British w^ere in the habit 
of pajdng. Lieutenant Jones secured this sad memento of 
his betrothed, and resigned his command. His resignation 
not being accepted, he deserted. More than fifty years, we 
are told, he hved remote from society, a heart-broken man, 
observing each anniversary of the day that proved fatal to 
his happiness. 

337. Before leavmg Canada, Burgoyne had detached Col. 
St. Leger, with about 700 men, to reduce the valley of the 

places did Schuyler successively fall back ? 886. By whom were many barbarities com- 
mitted ? Tell the story of Jane M'Crea. What became of Lieut. Jones ? 837. Before 

11 



242 bukgoyne's campaign. [1777 

Mohawk. His force being doubled by Indians and tories, 
who joined him as he advanced from Oswego, he devastated 
the country, and laid siege to Fort Schuyler, previously 
caUed Fort Stanwix, on the site of the present village of 
Kome, N". Y. This post was bravely defended by Col. Gan'- 
se-voort, but the ammimition and supplies of the garrison 
were insufficient for a siege. Gen. Her'-ki-mer, while ad- 
vancing to their rehef with a body of militia, feU into an 
ambuscade at O-ris'-ka-ny, was defeated and mortally wound- 
ed. The only hope of aid now rested on Gen. Schuyler. 
Two officers of the garrison undertook to inform him of their 
critical situation. Leaving the fort at night, during a vio- 
lent storm, they crept to the Mohawk, crossed it on a log, 
threaded their way through hostile Indians, and at last 
reached Schuyler's camp. Arnold and 800 men volunteered 
to reUeve the beleaguered fort. Unwilling to risk an en- 
gagement with a superior force if it could be avoided, Ar- 
nold had recourse to stratagem. A tory prisoner under 
sentence of death was pardoned on condition that he would 
go to St. Leger's camp and spread the report that a large 
Aoierican army was within a few hours' mai'ch. His state- 
ments, confirmed by a scout also sent by Arnold, produced 
such a panic among the Indians and British, already discour- 
aged by the brave resistance of the garrison, that they pre- 
cipitately fled, leaving their tents, baggage, provisions, and 
artillery behind them. St. Leger's force was completely 
dispersed. 

338. Meanwhile Gen. Schuyler was collecting reinforce- 
ments, and strengthening his position at the mouth of the 
Mohawk, where he had determmed to make a stand against 
the enemy. BurgojTie, on the other hand, finding it diffi- 
cult to obtain provisions, and hearing that the Americans 
had large supplies at Bennington, sent Col. Baum thither 

leaving Canada, what expedition had Burgoyne sent out ? By whom was St Leger 
joined ? What place did he besiege ? By whom was Fort Schuyler defended ? Under 
what disadvantages did the garrison labor? Who attempted to relieve them? What 
befell Gen. Herkimer? How was Schuyler informed of the danger of Fort Schuyler? 
Who volunteered to go to its relief? Relate Arnold's artifice. What was the result? 
3->8. What was Gen. Schuyler doing in the mean time? What expedition did Bur 



I 



ITTl] BATTLE OF BENNINGTON. 243 

with 500 regulars and tories and a number of Indians to 
seize on whatever he could find. A few miles from Ben- 
nington, Baum was met by Gen. Stark with a body of New 
Hampshire militia and such volunteers as could be hastily 
raised. The two armies came in sight of each other on the 
loth of August, but a violent rain prevented them from en- 
gaging. A minister who had come with i)art of his flock to 
strike a blow for his country, was impatient at the delay ; 
but Stark comforted him with the promise, that, if the next 
day was clear, he should have fighting enough. And he 
kept his word. 

Early on the 1 6th, Stark prepared for the attack. As he 
beheld the enemy's columns forming, he exclaimed, " See, 
men ! There are the red-coats. We must beat to-day, or 
Molly Stark's a widow." For two hours the battle raged 
furiously. At last the British were driven from the field 
with the loss of their artillery and baggage. A few hours 
after, a detachment which had been sent to the aid of Baum 
shared the same fate. In these engagements, the British 
had 207 killed and about 600 taken prisoners ; the American 
loss amounted to 200 in killed and wounded. Four brass 
cannon and ammunition wagons, 900 swords, and 1,000 stands 
of arms, were secured by the victors. 

339. The patriotism which actuated the Americans at this 
time is illustrated in the case of an old man who had five 
sons at the battle of Bennington. A neighbor who had just 
come from the field told him that one of them had been un- 
fortimate. " Has he proved a coward or traitor ?" anxiously 
asked the father. " Worse than that," was the answer ; " he 
has fallen, but while fighting bravely." " Then," said the 
father, " I am satisfied." The true-hearted patriot afterwards 
declared it was the happiest day of his life, to know that his 
five sons had fought nobly for freedom, though one had fallen 
in the conflict. 



goyne send out for provisions ? By whom was Baum met? On what day? What 
anecdote is told of a minister who had joined the army ? Give an account of the battle 
of Bennington. What was the loss on each side ? What spoils were taken by the 
Americans ? 389. What story is told of a patriot who had five sons at Bennington ? 



2M bukgoyne's campaign. [1777 

840. The defeat of St. Leger and Banm was a severe blow 
to Burgoyne's prospects. It deterred the loyahsts from join- 
mg his ranks, discouraged him. from sending out other expe- 
ditions, and showed him that the " rebels" were not as con- 
temptible as he had supposed. The courage of the Ameri- 
cans was raised in proportion. The outrages of the Indians 
excited universal abhorrence, and fears for their o^ti safety 
led many to oppose the invading force. 

341. Three days after the battle of Bennington, Horatio 
Gates superseded General Schuyler in the command of the 
northern army. Born in England in 1728, Gates had served 
in the French and Indian War, and was wounded at Brad- 
dock's defeat. Havmg taken up his abode in Virginia, he 
early embraced the republican cause, and aided Washington 
in the siege of Boston. The noble-minded Schuyler keenly 
felt the injustice of Congress in depriving him, almost at the 
moment of \dctory, of the glory due to his labors ; yet, with 
the devotion of a true patriot, he gave Gen. Gates all the in- 
formation he possessed, and assisted him to the best of his 
ability. 

342. The American army having been increased by the 
arrival of both regulars and militia, it was resolved to move 
sixteen miles np the river in the direction of the enemy, and 
arrest Burgoyne's progress at Bem^-is's Heights on the west 
bank of the Hudson. Fortifications were erected there un- 
der the superintendence of Kosciusko \7cos-Jce-iis'-T€o\ a Polish 
officer, now twenty-one years of age, who, on Dr. Franklin's 
recommendation, had been commissioned as an engineer in 
the American army. The British commander, whose diffi- 
culties increased as he advanced, moved slowly along the 
bank of the Hudson, and at length halted within two miles 
of the American camp. 

The first battle of Stillwater, or Bemis's Heights, took 
place on the 19th of September. The British advanced to 

840. What was the effect of St. Leger's and Baum's defeat? 341. What change was 
made in the command of the northern American army? What is said of Gates' pre- 
vious history? What was Schnyler's course on being superseded? 342. Wliat was 
Gates' first movement ? Who aided in fortifying Bemis's Heights? What is saiil of 
Kosciusko's previous history ? Give an account of Burgoyne's movements meanwhile. 



1777] 



FIRST BATTLE OF STILLWATER. 



2.45 




the attack in three col- 
umns. Gates, who at first 
seemed inclmed to receive 
them in his intrenchments, 
was finally j^ersuaded to 
send out Morgan'-s corps 
against the Canadians- and 
Indians on the surround- 
ing hills. The latter were 
driven back by an impetu- 
ous charge. Arnold" soon 
engaged Burgoyne's ad- 
vanced guard under Gen. 
Frazer in a bloody encoun- 
ter, which, ^\dth a slight in- 
termission, lasted till night 
Officers who had served in 
Europe declared that they 
had never seen so hot a fire continued so long. Darkness 
separated the combatants, the Americans retiring to their 
camp and the enemy resting on their arms near the field of 
battle. The former had the advantage, losing only 319, in 
killed, wounded, and missing, while the British loss amount- 
ed to over 500. The American marksmen, ascending trees, 
had fired at those who were conspicuous in the ranks of the 
enemy. A shot thus aimed at Burgoyne struck down an 
officer by his side ; and in the confusion it was reported that 
the British commander had fallen. The honor of the day 
belonged to Arnold; but the jealous Gates not only neg- 
lected to mention his services in rej^orting the battle, but 
even took from him the command of his division. 

343. Burgoyne did not immediately renew the conflict, 



SCENE OF THE TWO BATTLES OF STILLWATER, 
OR BEMIS'S HEIGHTS, SEPTEMBEK 19, AND OC- 
TOBEK 7, 1777. 



When did the first battle of Stillwater take place ? [See Map. — What stream ran be- 
tween the British and the American encampment? On which side of this stream did 
the two battles occur?] What at first seemed to be Gates' determination? What was 
he at length pei-suaded to do? Give an account of the battle. On the approach of 
night, what did the contending parties do? State the loss on each side. What was 
done by American marksmen? What report was spread? To whom did the honor 
of the day belong? What acts of injustice were committed by Gates? 343. Where 



246 burgoyne's campaign. [1777 

but encamped on the west bank of the Hudson at Wilbur's 
Basin. Gates was soon reinforced by 2,000 Xew England 
troops under Gen, Lincoln, who, hanging on Burgoyne's 
rear, had surprised several of his garrisons, and cut ofl" his 
line of communication. The armies thus remained m sight 
of each other for more than two weeks, the Americans be- 
ing constantly strengthened by accessions from the neigh- 
borhood, and the British as constantly weakened by the de- 
fection of loyalists and Lidians. Frequent skirmishes took 
place, and Burgoyne's army was kept in constant alarm. 
Among the incidents worthy of relation was a daring at- 
tempt on the part of twenty young farmers to take an ad- 
vanced British picket. Moving noiselessly to within a few 
yards of the post, the leader suddenly sounded an old trum- 
pet, and with a tremendous yell his men rushed on the ene- 
my, who supposed that Gates and his Avhole ai-my were upon 
them. " Ground your arms, or you are dead men !" cried 
the captain, and the frightened guard were not slow in obey- 
ing. When it was too late to resist, they found, to their 
mortification, that they were prisoners to a party inferior in 
number to themselves. 

344. Burgoyne's position was now critical in the extreme. 
His men were put on short allowance, and even then his 
stock of provisions threatened to give out in a few days. The 
vigilance of the Americans prevented supplies from reaching 
him. Urgent messages for aid had been sent to Gen. Clin- 
ton, at New York ; but nothing had been heard fi-om him 
in reply. It was clear that the only hope for the British 
army was in fightmg its way through the American ranks. 

On the Yth of October, the British drew up in line of bat- 
tle. After some skirmishing, the Americans commenced 
the action by charging the enemy's front. The British at 
first could not withstand their impetuous attack, but soon 
ralhed, and in turn drove back their assailants. So close 



did Bursroyne encamp? By whom was Gates reinforced? What had Lincoln's men 
been doing ? What is said of each army ? Relate the exploit of twenty young fiirmers. 
844. What is said of Burgoyne's position ? To whom had he sent for aid ? What was 
the only hope for the British army ? When did the second battle of Stillwater take 






1777] SECOND BATTLE OF STILLWATER. 24:7 

"vvas the struggle that a single cannon was five times taken 
and retaken by the contending parties. At length the pa- 
triots succeeded in retaining it ; and Colonel Cilley [sil''-le], 
after having leaped upon it and dedicated it to the Ameri- 
can cause, wheeled it round upon the enemy and fired on 
them with their own ammunition. Not till their best officers 
had fallen, were the British finally driven back. 

Meanwhile Gen. Frazer's division had fallen on the Amer- 
ican flank. They were repelled by Morgan's corps, which 
then furiously charged the British right. At this point, Ar- 
nold, who had been imjustly deprived of his command, and 
was impatiently watching the progress of the battle, could 
restrain himself no longer. Hastily mounting his large bro^m 
horse, he spurred towards the hottest of the fight. Gates, 
fearing that he would gain fi-esh laurels, sent Major Arm- 
strong after him with orders to return. But Arnold was 
already out of reach. He was received with shouts of ex- 
ultation by the men whom he had before led to victory. 
With a desperation akin to madness, he charged Frazer's bri- 
gade, now rallying under its intrepid commander. Perceiv- 
ing that Frazer was the soul of the British army, Morgan 
directed several of his riflemen to make him the special ob- 
ject of their aim. A ball soon struck the general's saddle ; 
another wounded his horse in the neck. Despite these warn- 
ings, he refused to retire, and in a few moments fell, mortal- 
ly wounded. 

Frazer's fall decided the battle. Burgoyne in vain tried 
to rally his men. Driven fi'om their intrenchments by Ar- 
nold's unpetuous attack, they left the Germans at their side 
unsupported. The latter gave one volley and fled. Arnold 
received a ball in the same le^ which had been manoied at 
Quebec, and was here at last overtaken by Major Ai'mstrong, 
with Gates' order to return. He did return, but not till he 
had achieved a glorious victory, with little aid fi'om Gates, 



place? Give an account of the engagement in front. Describe Frazer's movements. 
Wiiat was done by Arnold ? Give an account of Frazer's fall. What effect had Frazer's 
fall on the fate of the battle? Describe Arnold's attack on the British intrenchments. 
What was the result? What befell Arnold ? What did each party do on the approach 



248 burgoyne's surrender. [ittt 

who had kept himself all day in the camp. Night set in, and 
the contest ceased. The Americans kept possession of the 
field, and Burgo}Tie fell back, with the intention of retreating 
by way of Fort Edward. In this second battle of Stillwater, 
he lost VOO men; the Americans, about 150. 

345. Bnrgoyne soon found that retreat was impossible. 
He was hemmed in on all sides ; provisions were failing him ; 
and there was no prospect of assistance from New York. 
A councU of war held October 13th decided to capitulate. 
While the ofiicers were deliberating, grape-shot swept across 
the table at which they were seated. On the 16th, the terms 
were settled. The -whole British army, consisting of 5,791 
men, surrendered, with tlieir arms and baggage, 42 cannon, 
and a large quantity of ammunition. The news of this bril- 
liant victory awakened fresh hope and courage in every 
patriot breast. 






CHAPTER XII. 

moveme>v:ts of howe and Washington in 1777. 

346. While the advantages just described were being 
gained in the north, Washington was endeavoring to preserve 
his army from the superior force of Howe. Having received 
some reinforcements, the American commander, in the latter 
part of May, moved from Morristown to Middlebrook, N. J. 
Howe, after vainly trying to bring him to an engagement, 
proceeded to Staten Island and thence put to sea with about 
18,000 men, leavmg a strong force under Clinton to defend 
New York. After remaining at sea over a month, he en- 
tered Chesapeake Bay, and landed at a point on the Elk River 
about 50 miles from Philadelphia, on which city he intended 
to make a descent. 

of night ? What was the loss on each side ? 345. What was now Burgoyne's condition ? 
On the 18th of October, what was decided on ? When were the terms settled ? What 
were surrendered to the Americans? What was the effect of this victory on the pa- 
triot cause ? 

346. While these events were transpiring in the north, what was Washington doing? 
What movement was finally made by Howe? How long did the British remain at sea? 



1777] 



BATTLE OF BRANDYWINE. 



249 



Washington had 
penetrated his de- 
sign, and was al- 
ready on the march 
Avith 14,000 men — 
of whom, however, 
only 8,000 were fit 
for service. Un- 
willing as he was 
to hazard a gener- 
al engagement, he 
could not allow 
Philadelphia to fall 
into the hands of 
the enemy Avithout 
striking a blow in 
its defence. The 
British slowly approached, and on the 11th of September 
reached Chad's Ford on Brandywine Creek, where the 
Americans lay encamped. One division imder Cornwallis 
took a circuitous route, crossed the creek higher up without 
opposition, and fell on the American right which had been 
sent to oppose them. In vain Sullivan, La Fayette, and 
Stirling endeavored to stem the tide. La Fayette Avas 
Avounded and narroAvly escaped capture. The tunely anwal 
of Greene's division (which made a memorable march of four 
miles in forty-tAvo minutes) saved this part of the American 
army from entire destruction. Wayne, who opposed the 
British in front, was also driA^en back. The battle of Bran- 
dyAvine thus resulted in a total defeat of the Americans, with 
a loss of 300 killed, 600 wounded, and nearly 400 prisoners. 
The British loss was about 90 killed, and 500 woimded and 




Among those who did good service at BrandyAA^ine was 

Where did they land ? What city was threatened ? What course did Washington take ? 
When did the hostile armies meet ? Where ? [See Map.— Into what does Brandywine 
Creek empty ? Mention some other creeks that run nearly parallel with it. Between 
what two rivers is Philadelphia?] Give an account of Cornwallis's attack on the Amer- 
ican right What was the result in front of the line? State the loss on each side. Who 

n* 



250 MOVEMENTS OF HOWE AND WASHINGTON. [l777 

Count Pulaski [pic-las' -ke]^ a Polish noble, who had tried to 
liberate his country from the Russian yoke. Failing in the 
attempt, he had sought a new field on which to battle for 
freedom. For his gallantry m this action Congress made 
him a brigadier-general. 

347. His defeat at Brandy wine, did not prevent Washing- 
ton from resolving on another battle ; but a violent and pro- 
tracted storm so mjured his arms and ammunition that he 
was obliged to give up the idea and retreat. Slowly and 
wearily his men toiled over the miry roads, many of them 
having no shoes to protect their feet. A movement on the 
part of the British, which threatened Reading [red^-ding], 
where the American stores were deposited, forced Washing- 
ton to take a new position and leave the road to Philadelphia 
open to the enemy. Gen. Wayne was stationed with 1,500 
men to check their advance, but he was surprised by a mid- 
night attack and driven back with the loss of nearly 300 men. 
Philadelphia was thus left at the mercy of the British, and on 
the 26th they entered the city in triumph. Eight days be- 
fore. Congress had adjourned to meet at Lancaster. They 
soon after removed to York, where they continued to hold 
their sessions till the recovery of Philadelphia the following 
year. 

The British were now in pleasant quarters ; but othermse 
they gained little by the capture of Philadelphia. The coun- 
try was still unsubdued, and, as long as Howe was stationary, 
was likely so to remain. Franklin in his usual mtty way re- 
marked, that instead of Howe's having taken Philadelphia, 
Philadelphia had taken Howe. 

348. In the mean time, Washington was not idle. Having 
received a reinforcement of 2,500 men, on the 4th of October 
he surprised the British troops stationed at Germantown, six 
miles from Philadelphia [see Map, p. 249]. The Americans at 

is mentioned as having done good service at Brandywine ? What was Pulaski's previous 
history ? How was he rewarded ? 347. Notwithstanding his defeat, on what did Wash- 
ington resolve? What prevented another engagement? What obliged Washington to 
leave the road to Philadelphia open? What befell Wayne? When did Howe enter 
Philadelphia? Where had Congress removed? What did the British gain by taking 
Philadelphia ? Repeat Franklin's remark. 34S. What was done by Washington on the 






1777J HOWE OBTAINS COMMAND OF THE DELAWARE. 251 

first gained important advantages, and would have achieved 
a victory had not some of the militia failed to perform the 
part assigned them, A thick fog arose ; the British rallied, 
and finally repelled the assault. The American loss was es- 
timated at 1,000 men, including Gen. Nash, of North Caro- 
lina; that of the British was not far from 600. Shortly after 
this repulse, Washington retired with his army to White 
Marsh, 14 miles from Philadelphia [see Map, p. 249]. The 
sufferings of his men increased mth the coldness of the 
weather. 

349. The navigation of the Delaware was still in the hands 
of the patriots. Several miles below Philadelphia, Fort Mif- 
flin, on Mud Island [see Map], commanded the channel ; 
and opposite to it, on the Jersey shore, was a strong fort at 
Red Bank. Heavy timbers armed with iron bars pointing 
down the river had been sunk near Fort Mifflin, to prevent 
the passage of vessels. To open communication between his 
army and fleet, it was necessary for Howe to destroy these 
defences. Batteries were erected on the Pennsylvania shore 
opposite Mud Island, and a party was sent down on the Jer- 
sey side to storm the works at Red Bank. They entered 
the fort without opposition, and supposed that it was theirs, 
but were soon apprised of their mistake by a well-directed 
fire, which mortally wounded their leader and disabled 400 
of his men. The American commandant, unable to defend 
the whole of the extensive works, had abandoned part of 
them, and with this warm reception repulsed the enemy. 
The attack on Fort Mifflin was at first equally unsuccessful. 
Two British vessels ran aground, one of which was aban- 
doned by its crew, while the other was set on fire by the 
Americans. At length, however, the enemy reached such a 
position that both garrisons were obliged to retire and relin- 
quish to them the command of the river. 

4th of October ? [See Map, p. 249.— In what direction is Germantown from Philadel- 
phia ? Near what stream is it ?] Give an account of the battle of Germantown. State 
the loss on each side. To what place did Washington then retire? [Near what stream 
is White Marsh ? What hill near it ?] 349. Which party held possession of the Dela- 
ware ? What works gave the Americans possession of the river? What liostile move- 
ments against these works were made by Howe ? Give an account of the attack at Red 



252 MOVEMENTS OF HOWE AND WASHINGTON. [l777 

350. The joyful news of Burgoyne's surrender, received 
about this time, served to relieve the depression occasioned 
by Washington's reverses. It roused Howe to additional 
exertion. At midnight, December 2d, 1777, he held a coun- 
cil of war at a house occupied by a Quaker named Darrah. 
Mrs. Darrah, who was a true fi-iend of her country, suspected 
that something important was going on ; and, silently rising 
after retiring to bed, she overheard an order for the British 
troops to start the following night for the purpose of surpri- 
sing Washington at White Marsh. Returnmg to her room, 
she feigned sleep, but spent the rest of the night in medita- 
ting how she could save her countrymen. Not daring to 
trust any one with her secret, she obtained a permit to pass 
the British lines, on pretence of having to go to mill for a 
bag of flour. The ground was covered with snow, but she 
heeded it not, and hastening on met an American officer to 
whom she delivered the important information. The next 
night she observed the British marching forth on their expe- 
dition. They silently approached the camp of Washington, 
but to their astonishment found the whole American army 
drawn up in readiness to receive them. For three days 
Howe remained in the neighborhood, but Washington would 
not leaA^e his intrenchments to give him battle. On Howe's 
return to Philadelphia, Mrs. Darrah was closely examined, 
as to whether any member of her family had been awake on 
the night in question, but nothing was discovered. 

351. The weather now rendered it necessary for Washing- 
ton to withdraw his army from the field to permanent winter- 
quarters. These he fixed at Valley Forge, on the southwest 
side of the SchuylkiU [skool'-JciU]^ 22 miles from Philadelphia. 
A march of eight days, over frozen ground on which they 
left the marks of their bleeding feet, brought his men to the 
spot. Most of the neighboring inhabitants were Tories, and 
as the British bought their produce at high prices and paid 

Bank. Of that on Fort Miiflin. 850. What joyful news was now received ? How did 
it act on Howe? Tell the story about Mrs. Darrah. 351. What did the weather now 
oblige Washington to do ? What place did he select for his winter-quarters ? [See Map, 
p. 249. — How is Valley Forge situated ? In what direction is it from White Marsh ? 
What place south of it ?] How long were the army in reaching it ? What is said of the 



17 77] 



VALLEY FORGE. 



253 



for it in gold and silver, it was almost impossible for Wash- 
ington to procure provisions in exchange for the paper money 
of Congress. He was authorized to seize on what he needed 
wherever it could be found ^dthin seventy miles of the camp ; 
but many of the farmers concealed their grain and even 
resisted the American foraging parties. Meanwhile the 
British, 19,500 strong, were revelling in comfort and plenty 
at Philadelphia. This was the dark hour of the American 
Revolution. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THE AMERICAN AEMY AT VALLEY FOEGE. 

352. The deplorable situation of the American army at 
Valley Forge, during the dreary winter of 1 77 7-78, can 
hardly be imagined. Four thousand men were unable to 




VALLEY FOKGE. 



neighboring inhabitants? What diflBculty troubled Washington ? 
dition of the British army at this time? 



Wiiat was the con- 



254 THE AMERICAN AEMY AT VALLEY FORGE. [1778 

move out of their huts for want of clothing. A whole pair 
of shoes was hardly known in the camp. Exposure and the 
want of proper food brought on putrid fevers and other fatal 
disorders. The officers fared but Httle better than their 
men. The paper money issued by Congress had depreciated 
so much that the pay of a general was hardly sufficient to 
keep him in clothes. 

This lamentable state of things filled the breast of Wash- 
ington with inexpressible anguish, which was increased by 
the injustice of some of his countrymen. The Pennsylvania 
Legislature censured him for withdrawing his troops to win- 
ter-quarters. Congress wavered in its confidence, and in 
appointing a new board of war gave a prominent place to 
Gates, Conway, Mifflin, and others, known to be hostile to the 
commander. Some even demanded that he should be super- 
seded by Gates or Lee. Washington bore these unjust com- 
plaints with patience, knowing that time would place things 
in their true light. He was not wrong. The proposition to 
remove him was met with indignant remonstrances from all 
parts of the country ; and Congress, finally convinced that 
the blame rested with themselves for not making suitable 
provisions, took measures for the proper equipment of an 
efficient army. 

353. Unbounded joy was soon diffused through America 
by the news that France had at length (February 6, 1778) 
recognized the independence of the United States, and en- 
tered into a treaty of alliance with its commissioners. This 
was brought about by the unremitting labors of Franklin. 
A general favorite at the French court, he had embraced 
every opportunity of proving to the king and ministry the 
certainty of his country's ultimate triumph in the struggle 
with England. Burgoyne's surrender furnished him with 
an irresistible argument, and the long desired treaty was 
obtained. 



352. Describe the situation of the Americans, both men and officers, at Valley Forge. 
What other cause of grief bad Washington ? How were the unjust complaints against 
the commander received ? What did Congress finally decide to do ? 353. What joyful 
news reached America in the spring of 1778? By whom and bow were the French in- 






1778] 



ARRIVAL OF BARON SxEUBEN. 



255 



1 EANXLIN PLEADING TIIF 

CAL'SF OF AMFRICA BF- } 
FOKE THE FRENCH COUKT 




354. The arrival of Baron Steuben threw another ray of 
light on the gloom which overshadowed the patriot army at 
Yalley Forge. Steuben had served as aid-de-camp and 
lieutenant-general under Frederick the Great, king of Prus- 
sia. Congress gladly accepted his services, and found them 
of immense value in organizing and disciplining the army. 
In May, 1778, at Washington's request, he was appointed 
inspector-general, and the results of his experience were 
soon apparent. 

355. Washington attempted little during his melancholy 
sojourn at Yalley Forge. Towards the close of spring, 1778, 
La Fayette was sent with 2,100 men to Barren HiU, on the 
Schuylkill, twelve miles from Yalley Forge, to keep the 
foraging parties of the enemy in check, and to be ready for 
action in case of any decided movement. With the conni- 
vance of a tory, at whose house the marquis lodged, Howe 
forthwith laid a plan to cut off the detachment. Fortu- 

daced to make this alliance ? 854. What important addition did the army at Valley 
Forge receive ? What is said of Baron Steuben? To what office was he appointed? 
355. Give an account of La Fayette's escape at Barren Hill. What is said of Washing- 



256 THE AMERICAN ARMY AT VALLEY FORGE. [1778 

Dately La Fayette discovered the scheme in time to defeat 
it by a skilful retreat. Washington, who had observed 
through a spy-glass the threatening movements of the ene- 
my, could hardly restrain his joy when his beloved brother- 
in-arms readied the camp in safety. 

356. The British mmistry began to perceive, that, though 
victories had been gained, little was really done towards re- 
ducing America, and the alhance with France rendered their 
prospects for the future still worse. Accordingly commis- 
sioners were sent over with liberal proposals, which would 
have been accepted before the war commenced, but which 
now came too late. Bribery was freely tried, but in vain. 
Among those whom the commissioners ventured to approach 
in this way was Gen. Reed, of Pennsylvania. Ten thousand 
guineas and a profitable post were oifered him, if he would 
use his influence to brmg about a reconciliation. " I am not 
worth purchasing," was the reply of the honest patriot ; 
" but, such as I am, the king of Great Britain is not rich 
enough to buy me." 

357. In March, 1778, the country received a severe blow 
in the loss of Captain Nicholas Biddle, one of its ablest na- 
val officers. After capturing a number of prizes in the U. S. 
frigate Randolph, he encountered the Yarmouth [yar'-77iuth\ 
a British ship of 64 guns, and in the midst of the engage- 
ment his vessel blew np. Captain Biddle and all his men, 
except four who were picked up by the enemy, instantly 
perished. 

ton's solicitude on this occasion ? 356. What was now evident to the British ministry? 
What course did they therefore pursue ? Give an account of their attempts at nego- 
tiation. Wliat passed between them and Gen. Eeed ? What severe blow did the coun- 
try receive in March, 1778 ? 



1778] BATTLE OF MONMOUTH. 257 



CHAPTER XIV. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1778. MONMOUTH. NEWPOET. SAVANNAH. 

WYOMING. 

358. On the 24tli of May, 1778, Gen. Howe, who had re- 
quested the home government to recall him, left Philadel- 
phia, after a splendid tom-nament given by his officers in his 
honor. About a month afterwards, Sir Henry Clinton, on 
whom the chief command now devolved, evacuated the city 
with the whole British army. Washington followed the 
enemy across New Jersey. Contrary to the advice of some 
of his officers, he resolved on a general engagement ; and, 
on the 28th of June, when the British were about leav- 
ing Monmouth [)no7i'-77iuth\ they found the Americans 
drawn up for battle. The attack was conducted by Lee, 
who had been released by the British in exchange for Gen. 
Prescott. After a series of mistakes, Lee, without any ap- 
parent reason, began to faU back. The retreat soon turned 
into a flight. The Americans were hurrymg over a morass, 
sinking in the mire, and falling before their pursuers, when 
they were met by Washington at the head of the rear line. 
Angrily rebuking Lee, the American commander arrested 
the flight of his broken regiments, and led them back against 
the enemy. 

The British were stopped in their successful career. Lee 
fought throughout the rest of the action with desperate cour- 
age, and many deeds of valor were performed on both sides. 
The gallant conduct of Mary Pitcher, the wife of an American 
artillery-man, must not be forgotten. While bringing water 
to her husband from a spring, she saw him fall, and heard 
an order given for withdrawing his gun, as there was no one 
to manage it. The heroic woman immediately took her 

35S. In Maj', 177S, who assumed command of the British army? How did Howe's 
officers testify their respect? What was Clinton's first movement? What was Wash- 
ington's course ? Where did an engagement take place ? By what American generals 
was the attack conducted ? How had Lee obtained his freedom ? Tell how Wash- 
ington turned the fate of the battle. . Tell the story of Molly Pitcher. Who remained 



258 CAMPAIGN OF 1778. [l778 

husband's place, and discharged his duty in a way that elicit- 
ed the warmest admiration. Washington afterwards ap- 
pointed her a sergeant in the army, and she was well known 
by both French and Americans, who honored her with the 
appellation of " Captain Molly". 

After a severe contest, in which now one party and now 
the other had the advantage, the Americans remained mas- 
ters of the field. They passed the night on it with the in- 
tention of renewing the battle in the mornmg, Washington 
resting among his men with no other bed than his cloak ; 
but Clinton silently departed three hours before dawn. The 
total loss of the British was about 500, 59 of whom fell from 
the excessive heat ; that of the Americans was 229. Clin- 
ton's army proceeded to Sandy Hook, and was thence con- 
veyed by the fleet to New York. Washington crossed the 
Hudson, and fixed his quarters at White Plains. 

Oifended by the rebuke he had received, Lee, the day 
after the battle, sent an insulting letter to Washington. The 
latter had him arrested for disobeying orders, and disgrace- 
fully retreating. A court-martial, of which Lord Stirling 
was president, found him guilty, and suspended him from 
his command for a year. His interest in the cause of lib- 
erty was thus abated, and he never rejoined the army. 

359. In July [1778], a French fleet, conveying a strong 
land force, under Count D'Estaing \_des-ta-cmg'], arrived off 
the coast of Virginia. Measures were concerted for besieg- 
ing the British at Newport, R. L, and D'Estaing entered 
the harbor early in August. Before operations had fairly 
commenced. Admiral Byron approached Newport with a 
British fleet. D'Estaing sailed forth to meet the enemy, but 
a terrific storm separated the combatants. Byron made for 
New York, and the French returned to New]3ort. Mean- 
while Sullivan, who commanded on the part of the Ameri- 

masters of the field? How did the Americans pass the night? How, Washington? 
How did Clinton avoid continuing the engagement? State the loss on each side. Where 
did Clinton go ? AVhere ilid Washington fix his quarters ? What is said of Lee's sub- 
sequent history? 359. What took place in July, 177S? What place was it decided to 
attack? Before operations commenced, what induced the French to leave the harbor? 
What separated the combatants? Where did the fleets go? Describe "the great 



1778] DESCENT UPON WYOMING. 259 

cans, had begun the siege. The tempest which had separ- 
ated the fleets, swept the shore in all its fury. It is still 
remembered in Rhode Island as " the great storm". Tents 
were blown doT\^i, stores destroyed, and the works damaged. 
On the return of the French fleet, Sullivan recommenced 
operations ; but his hopes were soon blasted by an announce- 
ment from D'Estaing that he was going to Boston to refit 
his vessels. The remonstrances of La Fayette and Greene 
were ineffectual ; and Sullivan, thus deserted, was compelled 
to raise the siege. On the 29th of August, he repelled with 
intrepidity an attack of the British ; but, finding himself in 
danger of being cut ofi", he efiected a masterly retreat by 
night, without the knowledge of the enemy. The close of 
the eastern campaign thus left both parties in the same con- 
dition in which they were at its beginnmg. 

360. The frontier of New York and Pennsylvania, since 
the dispersion of the Indians at Fort Schuyler, had been 
comparatively secure from their depredations; but in 17 7 8, 
it was again ravaged. At the solicitation of British agents, 
a body of Iroquois joined a band of tories under Col. John 
Butler, and advanced towards Wy-o'-mmg. This settlement 
lay in the beautiful valley of the Susquehannah. It contained 
a population of several thousand, but had contributed so 
largely to the patriot army that few able-bodied men were 
left for its defence. As the ruthless invaders approached, 
fearful accounts of their barbarity were received. The wo- 
men and children flocked from the surrounding region to a 
fort near the present site of Wilkesbarre \wilks' -har-re\ and 
300 men with a fcAV boys, under Zebulon Butler (no relation 
of the British colonel's), advanced to meet the enemy. 

The Americans fought bravely, and even gained ground, 
till one of their officers, wishing to take a more favorable 
position in the rear, bade his men " fall back". The order 

storm". How were Gen. Sullivan's hopes blasted ? Who remonstrated with D'Estaing, 
but in vain ? What was Sullivan compelled to do ? Give an account of his subsequent 
movements. What was the position of both parties at the close of tlie eastern cam- 
paign? 360. By whom was the frontier ravaged in the summer of 177S? Towards 
what settlement did they advance ? Where was Wyoming situated ? How had it been 
left defenceless ? Ou the approach of the invaders, what did the inhabitants do ? Who 



260 CAMPAIGN OF 1778. [ITT8 

was misunderstood, and the unfortunate word " retreat" was 
passed along the lines. Panic seized the soldiers, and a gen- 
eral flight ensued. Many were shot and tomahawked as 
they ran ; some threw themselves into the river ; a few es- 
caped to the fort, where the helpless women were screaming 
with terror. That night the Indians held possession of the 
battle-field, and tortured their prisoners with all the cruel- 
ties that savage cunning could invent. Captain Bidlack was 
thrown alive on burning-coals, and kept there with pitch- 
forks till he expired. Six prisoners were ranged near a stone 
on the river bank, and held by savages, while Queen Esther, 
an old Seneca halt-breed, walked round them in a circle, 
singing the death-song like an infuriated demon, and striking 
them with her club and hatchet till every man was killed. 
The stone is still called Queen Esther's rock. 

The next day the fort was invested. It was surrendered 
to the British leader on his promise to protect its defenceless 
occupants ; but no sooner were the savages admitted than 
they glutted their thirst for blood by tomahawking and 
scalping all whom they met. The unfortunate people of 
Wyoming were compelled to flee from their once happy val- 
ley to distant and securer settlements. Few survived the 
horrors of the flight. Some escaped the Red Man's knife, 
only to find a slower death from exposure and fatigue. 
Others, dragging their weary limbs they knew not whither, 
lost their way on the mountains or hid in caverns till star- 
vation ended their suflferings. Distracted mothers hurried 
their children through the wilderness, and, when their little 
ones fainted on the way and died, folded the lifeless bodies 
to their hearts, and bore them many a toilsome mile to 
save them from the hungry wolves. Lovely Wyoming was 
desolate. 

These frightful scenes were reenacted in November, in 
Cherry Valley, N. Y. Brant, a noted Mohawk, in conjunc- 



advanced to meet the enemy ? Give an account of the battle. How did the Indians 
spend the ensuing night? Give some instances of their barbarity. What was done the 
next day? On what promise, did the fort surrender? How was this promise kept ? 
Give an account of the massacre of Wyoming and the flight of the inhabitants. Give an 



1778] THE BRITISH CAPTURE SAVANNAH. 261 

tion with a band of tories, suddenly fell upon the settlement, 
and killed or carried off most of its inhabitants. The country 
around was ravaged for miles, and the tories vied ^dth their 
savage allies in cold-blooded ferocity towards their mifortu- 
nate victims. 

361. In November, 1778, Clinton determined to change 
the scene of his operations to the south, and dispatched 2,000 
men mider Lieutenant-colonel Campbell [cmn^-el] and a fleet 
under Admiral Hyde Parker against Savannah. The city 
was held by Gen. Robert Howe, with 900 men, who, though 
ill prepared for battle, made a brave resistance. The appear- 
ance on their rear of a body of New York tories, guided by 
a negro, obliged them to retreat ; and during this movement 
100 men fell and 453 were taken. Admiral Parker crowded 
the latter, with others who refused to join the royal army, 
on board of prison-ships ; many of them perished and became 
the food of crows and buzzards. The whole of Eastern 
Georgia was speedily subdued. 

362. About the time of the massacre at Wyoming an ex- 
pedition was undertaken against the western tribes by Gen. 
Clarke, of Virginia. Having seized Kaskaskia, he induced 
the Indians to take an oath of allegiance to Virginia, and the 
county of Illinois Avas organized as part of that state. The 
British governor of Detroit, hearing of this, invaded the 
country in December, 1778. Apj^earing before the Ameri- 
can post at Vincennes, he demanded its surrender. Captain 
Helm, who commanded the station, holding a smoking match 
over his single cannon, demanded that the garrison should 
have the most favorable terms. The British commander as- 
sented, but was somewhat mortified to find, on entering the 
fort, that he had granted the honors of war to two me?i, who 
were its only occupants. 

In February, 1779, Gen. Clarke set out from Kaskaskia 

account of the massacre of Cherry Valley. 361. What expedition was sent out by Clin- 
ton in November, 1778? By whom was the city held? Give an account of the battle. 
How many men were lost on the retreat ? How did Admiral Parker treat the prisoners ? 
What part of Georgia was speedily subdued ? 362. Give an account of Gen. Clarko's 
expedition. [See Map, p. 158. — Where is Kaskaskia ? Where is Vincennes?] Give an 
account of the capture of Vincennes by the governor of Detroit. What was done by 



262 CAMPAIGN OF 1779. [l779 

"\Wth 170 men for the recapture of Yincennes. The rivers 
were high. The Wabash [iccnc'-bash] had overflowed the 
country so that Clarke and his men were obhged to wade for 
miles Avaist-deep in Avater. Nearly starving, they fortunately 
captured an Indian party from Avhich they obtained a small 
supply of buifalo-meat. After great hardships, they reached 
Vincennes, and the British governor, who had gained the 
name of the "hair-buying general", from the number of 
scalps he had purchased, deemed it j^rudent to capitulate. 



I 



CHAPTER XV. 



CAMPAIGN OF 1779. MOVEMENTS IN SOUTH CAKOLINA. 

CAPTURE OF STONY POINT. SULLIVAN'S INDIAN EXPEDI- 
TION. SIEGE OF SAVANNAH. PAUL JONES. 

363. At the commencement of the year 1779, the British 
army m the south consisted of 3,000 effective men, under the 
command of Gen. Pre-vost^. They were opposed by Lincoln, 
AA-ith a force smaller than the enemy's and far inferior to them 
in discipline and equipments. Prevost began the campaign 
by attempting the conquest of South Carolina. A body of 
regulars was sent to take possession of Port Royal Island, 
but was driven back by Gen. Moultrie. Soon after, a party 
of 700 tories on their march to the British army were de- 
feated by Col. Pickens ; and some of their leaders, who fell 
into the hands of the Americans, were tried and executed 
as traitors. 

Encouraged by this success, Lincoln sent Gen. Ashe to 
take a favorable position at the confluence of Briar Creek 
and the Savannah. Shortly after his arrival, a party of Brit- 
ish crossed the creek some miles above and surprised the 

Gen. Clarke, in February, 1779 ? Describe the march to Vincennes. What was the 
result ? 

363. With how many men did the British general, Prevost, commence the southern 
campaign in 1779? With how many, the Americans? What was the first enterprise 
niidertaken by Prevost? What was its success? What victory was achieved by CoU 
Pickons? What was Lincoln's first movement? Give an account of Ashe's defeat 



17T9] PKEVOSt's ATTACK ON CHARLESTON. '26S 

American camp. Most of the militia threw down their arms 
and fled. Some escaped by swimming, but over 300 were 
killed and taken. The British commander now regarded 
Georgia as completely subdued, and filled the various state 
offices with partisans of the kmg. Gen. Lincoln was trying 
to recover the ground thus unfortunately lost, when a move- 
ment of the enemy towards Charleston obliged him to march 
hastily in that direction. Pulaski's "American legion", and 
Governor Rutledge with a strong body of militia threw 
themselves into the city, and held it till Lincoln's approach 
forced the besieging army to retire. The heat soon became 
so intense that both parties gave up active operations till 
October. 

364. During Prevost's incursion, the whig families in the 
neighborhood of Charleston sufiered much from the brutality 
and rapacity of his soldiers. Plantations were devastated. 
Money, jewels, and plate were carried ofl"; slaves were stolen, 
to be sold in the West Indies ; and what could not be taken 
away was destroyed. On St. John's Island, the family of a 
Mr. Gibbs were driven from their house. In the midst of 
rain and flying bullets, they made their way to some negro- 
cabins, where it was discovered that a little boy had been 
forgotten. A girl of thirteen years offered to return for the 
child. Obtaining entrance with difficulty, she found the ob- 
ject of her search m the third story, bore him off" through a 
shower of balls, and reached her friends miinjured. The boy 
thus saved was known in the war of 1812 as Gen. Fen wick. 

Mrs. Wilkinson has left us an account of a visit made to 
her house on Young's Island, 30 miles from Charleston, by a 
band of the enemy. They plundered the estate, drove away 
the horses, tore the buckles worn by the ladies of the house 
from their shoes, and rudely plucked the rings from their 
fingers. Mrs. Wilkinson begged them to leave her a few in- 
dispensable articles of clothing, but received only curses in 

What was now done by the British commander ? Where was Lincoln next obliged to 
go? How was Charleston saved till his arrival? What prevented further operations? 
How did Prevost's men conduct themselves? What story is told of Mr. Gibbs' family? 
Who was the boy thus saved ? What took place at Mrs. Wilkinson's ? 365. Where did 



264 



CAMPAIGN OF 1779. 



[1779 



reply. A soldier belonging to the marauding party was af- 
terwards wounded and taken prisoner by some Americans. 
One of the ladies whom he had plundered, returning good 
for evil, hastily tore up her only remaining handkerchief to 
bind his bleeding arm. 

365. The winter of 1 778-79 was passed by the northern 
American army at Middlebrook, N. J. In preparing for the 
sprmg campaign, Washington found both the men and offi- 
cers of the New Jersey brigade disposed to abandon the 
service in consequence of the backwardness of Congress in 
paying them and providing for their wants. Their beloved 
general could not blame them, for he had often exj^ostulated 
with Congress on the subject ; but his tender solicitations 
and warm appeals to their love of country induced them still 
to suffer in the holy cause. 

366. To command the Hudson at the 
crossing called King's Ferry, about 40 
miles from New York, Washington se- 
lected for fortification two elevated 
headlands on opposite sides of the riv- 
er, known as Stony and Yerplanck's 
Point. Before the defences were com- 
pleted. Gen. Clinton moved up the river 
with a strong force. The troops at 
Stony Point retired at his approach, 
and the other garrison, unable to stand 
the heavy fire of the British from the 
opposite heights, surrendered [June 1, 
1779] as prisoners of war. The fortifi- 
cations were completed without delay, 
and Col. Johnson was left in command stony point and YiciNrrY. 
of Stony Point, with a garrison of 600 men. 

While these posts remained in the enemy's hands, Ameri 




Washington pass the winter of 1778-79 ? What disposition was manifested by the New 
Jersey brigade ? How were they induced to remain in the service? 366. How did 
Washington propose to command King's Ferry? [See Map. — What two forts on the 
Hudson north of Stony Point? What village south of Stony Point? What mountain 
southwest of West Point ?] Who attacked the defences at Stony and Verplanck's Point ? 
What was the result ? Who was left in command of Stony Point ? What enterprise 



1T79] WAYNE SURPRISES STONY POINT. 265 

can messengers had to take a circuit of many miles in bearing 
communications between the east and south ; Washington, 
therefore, determined to recover them, and intrusted the 
difficult enterprise to Gen. Wayne. On the 15th of July, 
Wayne's detachment of light infantry mustered 14 miles be- 
low Stony Point. The day was spent in marching through 
narrow defiles and over ragged rocks. At eight in the even- 
ing, they halted about a mile from the fort. From this point 
they were guided by a negro named Pompey, who was in the 
habit of visiting the garrison after his day's work to sell them 
strawberries. Accompanied by one or two of Wayne's ad- 
vanced guards, Pompey boldly approached the outposts, and 
gave the countersign, while his companions, watching their 
opportunity, seized and gagged the sentinels. 

Thus the Americans reached the base of the blufi" imdis- 
covered. The fort, as they gazed up at it, seemed almost 
impregnable. It lay on a rocky height, accessible only by a 
steep and narrow path. At half past eleven Wayne's army 
commenced the ascent. They were not observed tUl within 
a few feet of the pickets. Here they received several shots, 
but pressed forward with the bayonet. The roll of the 
drum roused the sleeping garrison, and quick discharges of 
cannon and musketry met the advancing columns. Wayne 
was wounded, and bade his aids carry him forward that he 
might die at the head of his men. He soon found, however, 
that his injury was not mortal. His comrades pressed gal- 
lantly on, and the British were obliged to surrender. Their 
loss amounted to 63 killed and 543 made prisoners. Wayne 
had but 15 killed and 83 wounded. The next morning, the 
cannon were turned on the works at Yerplanck's Point. But 
before any impression was made on them, Wayne, fearing 
an attack from New York, destroyed the fort and beat a 
retreat. Congress had a gold medal struck in honor of this 
brilliant achievement. 

was projected by Washington ? To "whom did he intrust it ? When and where did 
Wayne's light infantry muster ? How did they succeed in passing the outposts ? De- 
scribe their ascent of the bluff. Give an account of the assault. What was the result ? 
State the loss on each side. What was done the next morning? At length what did 
Wayne deem it prudent to do ? How did Congress commemorate this victory ? 867. 

12 



266 CAMPAIGN OF 1779. [l779 

367. About this time, the merciless Tryon was sent to New 
Haven, with 2,500 men, to bm-n the shipping in that port. 
The militia rallied in its defence, but were driven back ; and 
several vessels, together with large quantities of military and 
naval stores, were destroyed. Tryon then visited Fairfield, 
Norwalk, and Greenwich, all of which he reduced to ashes. 

368. The massacres of Wyoming and Cherry Valley were 
still fresh in the memory of the Americans ; and in August 
Gen. Sullivan was sent, with nearly 5,000 men, to punish the 
Iroquois by destroying their villages and devastating theii* 
country. On the Ti-o'-ga River he was met by the Indians 
in full force under Brant, and a band of tories headed by Sir 
John Johnson. They had thrown up works in Em'opean 
style, and bravely defended them till the Americans gained 
some high ground on their flank, when they gave way in 
confusion. Fleeing to swamps and forests, the Red Men left 
their pleasant villages and luxuriant corn-fields, from the Sus- 
quehannah to the Genesee, entirely at the mercy of the in- 
vaders. Fearful was the vengeance inflicted. Whole villa- 
ges were given to the flames. At Wyoming, no mercy was 
shown but the hatchet ; here, none but the firebrand. On 
the 14th of September SuUivan reached the metropolis of the 
Genesee valley; 128 buildings and 160,000 bushels of corn 
were there destroyed. The whole region was swept as 
by a tornado ; and the terrible vengeance of " the Town- 
destroyer", as they called Washington, was never forgotten. 

369. On the 1st of September, Count D'Estaing, who had 
gained some victories in the West Indies, appeared off" Sa 
vannah with his fleet. The British under Prevost were still 
in possession of the city, and Gen. Lincoln hastened to co- 
operate with the French against them. Prevost was sum- 
moned to surrender by the French admiral, but was unwise- 
ly allowed a day for consideration. Employing this time in 

Give an account of Tryon's expedition to Connecticut. 368. Wlio was sent to punish 
the depredations of the Iroquois? Give an account of the battle with Brant. "What 
followed on the part of Sullivan ? What place was reached by the Americans, September 
14th ? What were there committed to the flames? What name did the Indians give 
Waahington ? 369. On the 1st of September, who appeared off Savannah ? By whom 
was the city still held? Who hastened to join in the attack? Give an account of tlie 



1779] UNSUCCESSFUL ATTACK ON SAVANNAH. 267 

Strengthening his defences, the British commandant finally 
announced his determination to hold the city. A heavy 
cannonade was opened by the besiegers. The town suiFered 
severely. The inhabitants were driven to their cellars, and 
ventured in the streets only at the peril of their lives. Pre- 
vost could not have held out more than ten days ; but the 
restless D'Estaing was in a hurry to leave, and gave the 
Americans their choice, either to raise the siege or carry the 
place by storm. Though it was risking a victory already 
certain, Lincoln would not allow his allies to depart, but de- 
clared himself ready for the attack. 

On the 9th of October, the French and Americans ad- 
vanced against the British works in three divisions. They 
were received with a heavy fire, which mowed down whole 
platoons, and wounded the French leader. Still they pressed 
on, and the flags of France and South Carolina were soon 
waving from the parapet. In a moment the men who placed 
them there fell by a discharge of musketry. Sergeant Jas- 
per, the hero of Fort Moultrie, beheld the flag of his state 
in the act of falling ; springing forward, he fixed it securely 
on the parapet, and fell, mortally wounded, in the act. Just 
then a charge of fresh troops from the garrison swept the 
assailants from the works. 

In other parts the attack was equally unsuccessfi^il. The 
gallant Pulaski, one of America's noblest defenders, rushing 
forward with the consecrated banner placed in his hand by 
Moravian nuns, was struck do^vn by a cannon-ball, to rise 
no more. His followers were driven from the field ; and the 
British obtained a complete victory. Lincoln wished to re- 
new the attack ; but D'Estaing refused to do so, and with- 
drew his fleet. The American general, mortified at the fail- 
ure of an enterprise, which nothing but the caprice of his 
ally had defeated, led his diminished army to Charleston. 

370. Among the names conspicuous in American history 
at this period is that of John Paul Jones. A native of Scot- 
siege of Savannah. What unwise course was proposed by D'Estaing ? Describe the 
assault. Give an account of Jasper's fall. Of Pulaski's. What was the result? What 
did D'Estaing proceed to do? Whither did Gen. Lincoln move? 870. What is said 



268 ACHIEVEMENTS OF PAUL JONES. [l779 

land, he early embarked in the naval service of the United 
States, and was the first to unfurl the banner of the Republic 
on the Delaware. The capture of 16 prizes in little more 
than six weeks proved his activity and prowess. In 1778, 
he enlarged his sphere of operations, and kept the coast of 
Scotland and England in constant alarm. Boldly entering 
the harbor of Whitehaven, he took two forts, and fired the 
shipjDing they protected. Hurrying from point to point, 
wherever a prize was to be taken, or a daring deed to be 
achieved, he seemed everywhere present and always invin- 
cible. In September, 1779, in the Bon Homme Richard 
[bo-nom'' re-shar'] [good man Richard)^ of 40 guns, accom- 
panied by the AUiance and several smaller vessels, Jones en- 
countered, off the coast of Scotland, a British merchant fleet 
returning from the Baltic under convoy of two frigates. 
The commander of the Serapis, a 44-gun frigate, bore down 
on the Americans, and one of the most terrible actions re- 
corded in naval history followed. Jones, that the enemy 
might have no advantage from the superior size of their guns, 
brought his vessel so close to the Serapis that their sides 
touched. Broadside after broadside was poured in by both 
parties. The Serapis was soon in flames, and the Bon 
Homme Richard, little more than a shapeless hull, had most 
of her guns silenced. The British attempted to board the 
latter, but were repulsed. The Alliance now came up, and, 
after first giving her consort a broadside by mistake, turned 
her guns on the enemy. The Serapis struck. Her flames were 
arrested, and Jones, finding that his own vessel was sinking, 
hastily transferred his crew to the captured frigate. Of 375 
men, with whom he had begun the action, 300 were either 
killed or wounded. Meanwhile the consort of the Serapis 
had also surrendered, and the American victory was thus 
complete. With some difficulty, Jones brought his shat- 
tered prizes to the coast of Holland. 

of John Paul Jones? At the commencement of the war, how did he prove his prow- 
ess ? In 1778, what did he do ? Kelate his exploit at Whitehaven. What was his ves- 
sel called ? On the 23d of September, what did he encounter ? Give an account of the 
engagement with the Serapis. How did it result? How many men did Paul Jones 
lose ? What did ho do with his prizes ? 



1780] 



THE BRITISH ATTACK CHARLESTON. 



269 



CHAPTER XYI. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1780. FALL OF CHARLESTON. PARTISAN WAR- 
FARE IN THE SOUTH. BATTLE OF CAMDEN. 

371. The winter of 1779-80 was passed by one division of 
the northern army of the United States at West Point, un- 
der Gen. Heath, by the other at Morristown, ^N". J., under 
Washington. Lincoln commanded at the South ; and, as 
all hope of recovering Georgia had vanished with the repulse 
at Savannah, he confined himself to efforts in behalf of South 
Carolina, particularly Charleston, now threatened by the 
British. On the 10th of February, 1780, a fleet of the ene- 
my landed a strong 
body of troops on the 
islands in the harbor. 
The British ships sail- 
ed past the American 
forts with little or 
no loss, and batteries 
were erected at vari- 




SIEGE OF 

CHARLESTON 

1780. 



ous points. Gen. Clinton now demanded the surrender of 
the city, but Lincoln, who had been reinforced, resolved to 



371. Where did the northern army of the United States spend the winter of 1779-80? 
To what did Gen. Lincoln confine his attention ? Give an account of the investment 
of Charleston. [See Map.— What large island southeast of Charleston ? At the mouth 
of what creek did the British galleys lie ? Near what river was the British hospital ?] 



270 CAMPAIGN OF 1780. [l780 

hold out as long as possible. A destructive fire was at once 
commenced by the enemy. 

General Hu^-ger had been stationed near the head of Ash- 
ley River with a body of cavalry. On the 14th of April 
his detachment was surprised and dispersed by Tarleton. 
Four days after, CornwaUis arrived from New York with 
3,000 additional men. An incessant cannonade was main- 
tained, and the condition of the inhabitants was deplorable 
in the extreme. Cannon balls were continually flying through 
the air, shells exploding, buildings falling, and flames crack- 
Hng. It was impossible to hold out longer. On the 12th 
of May, articles of capitulation were signed. Four frigates, 
400 pieces of artillery, and 5,000 Americans, of whom the 
garrison constituted about one-half, thus fell into the hands 
of the enemy. 

372. The British followed up their success at Charleston 
with active measures for completing the subjugation of South 
Carolina. Garrisons were stationed at difierent points, and 
2,000 men were dispatched towards North Carolina to over- 
awe the whigs in that direction. Tarleton, with 700 horse- 
men, overtook a party of retreating Americans under Col. 
Bu'-ford at Waxhaws, and put them to the sword while ask- 
ing quarter. For a time the patriots of Carohna seemed 
paralyzed. Many consented to recognize the king's author- 
ity, on condition that they would not be required to serve 
in the war ; and Clinton, believing that South Carolina was 
" again entirely English", left CornwaUis in command of the 
southern army, and returned to New York. 

373. Soon after his departure, the overbearing conduct of 
the British, and their violation of the terms of the surrender, 
opened the eyes of the people, and awakened a determined 
spirit of resistance. Some of the principal citizens of Charles- 
ton were seized and imprisoned. More than a thousand per- 

What befell Huger's detachment of horse ? By whom was Clinton reinforced ? De- 
scribe the situation of the besieged city. What took place on the 12th of May ? What 
did the British gain by the surrender ? 372. How did the British follow up their suc- 
cess ? Give an account of Buford's defeat. What did Clinton think with respect to 
South Carolina ? Whom did he leave in command of the southern army ? 373. After 
Clinton's departure, what course Avas pursued by the British ? What was the conse- 



1780] PARTISAN WARFARE IN THE SOUTH. 271 

sons were deprived of tlieii- property and driven from their 
homes. Reports of these outrages were not long in spread- 
ing over the state, and no stronger argument against ma- 
king terms with the enemy was needed. Sumter, Wynn, 
and others, organized parties, with the determination of keep- 
ing the field till their country was free. Living in the woods 
on the precarious food they afforded, ready for march or 
battle at a moment's notice, these brave hearts were the 
scourge of the British and tories, — appearing when least ex- 
pected, cutting off straggling parties, swooping down on the 
rear of their armies, always fearless and generally victorious. 
Sometunes they met the enemy with but three rounds of am- 
munition to each man ; and often part of a company took 
the field unprovided with arms, waiting to obtain those of 
their companions who should fall. 

374. In June, 1780, Cornwallis dispatched a party of cav- 
alry and tories to crush some of these troublesome rebels. 
On the way, they stopped at the house of a Mrs. Bratton, and 
asked where her husband was. " In Sumter's army," was 
the reply. Incensed at this avowal, the commander was 
prevented from killing her only by the solicitation of a bro- 
ther officer. Dm'ing the night, the patriots in the neighbor- 
hood learned of the arrival of the enemy. A small force assem- 
bled, and the British were captured. Among the prisoners 
was an officer, on whom, for previous offences, sentence of 
death was pronounced. As a last favor, he begged to be 
led into the presence of Mrs. Bratton. Recognizing him as 
her preserver, she interceded in his behalf, and his life was 
granted to her prayers. 

375. Among the most successful partisan leaders was Fran- 
cis Marion, a descendant of the Huguenots of South Carolina, 
who had served in early life against the Cherokees, and sub;; 
sequently at Fort Sullivan and Charleston. While hastening 
to join the American regiments, now on their march to the 
South, he organized a mounted band of about twenty men 

quence ? Who organized parties to oppose the British ? Describe the partisan warfare 
of this period. 374. Kelate an incident that happened in June, 1780. 375. What par- 
tisan leader was particularly distinguished ? Where had he seen service ? Describe 



272 CAMPAIGN OF 1780. [l780 

and boys, some white and others black. Their wretched 
clothing gained for them the name of "the ragged regi- 
ment", and led the proud Gates, who had just been appoint- 
ed to the command of the southern department, to disjDense 
with their services in the regular army, and send them to the 
interior of Carolina. Though Gates was ashamed of " the 
ragged regiment", their gallant leader was not. Increasing 
their number fi-om time to time, as circumstances allowed, 
he achieved with their aid a series of minor though brilliant 
victories. 

Still Cornwallis remained master of South Carolina. 
Camden [see Map, p. 286] was his principal rendezvous in 
the upper country, and thither the tories flocked. Mean- 
while the American army just alluded to was slowly ap- 
proaching. Its command had been intrusted to the veteran 
De Kalb ; but, towards the end of July, Gen. Gates super- 
seded De Kalb by the appointment of Congress. Elated by 
his former success, Gates resolved to strike a decisive blow, 
and pushed rapidly on, though his men were suffering much 
from sickness and scarcity of food. As he advanced, the 
British outposts fell back on Camden ; and by the middle of 
August the two armies lay encamped within a short distance 
of each other, ready for battle. 

376. The hopes of southern patriots were revived by the 
news of Gates' approach. A number of farmers, hunters, 
and others, who were tired of the British yoke, quickly ap- 
peared in the field ; and Sumter, who was called to their 
command, soon found himself at the head of 600 men. With 
these he dispersed several bodies of the enemy near the Great 
Pe-dee\ On the 6th of August, he attacked a large detach- 
ment at Hanging Rock. The powder used on this occasion 
was saved by the heroism of two women. It had been 

Marion's " ragged regiment". What did Gates think of it ? What did it enable Marion 
to achieve ? To what place did the tories flock ? What was the American army doing ? 
Who commanded it ? What did Gates resolve to do ? On what place did the British 
outposts fall back ? What was the position of the armies at the middle of August ? 
376. What effect had Gates' approach on the southern patriots ? What partisan leader 
took the command ? Where did Sumter operate with success? [See Map, p. 2S6. — 
Where is the Great Pedee? Where is Camden? On what river is Hanging Rock?] 
On the 6th of August, what did Sumter do? How was his powder saved from the Brit- 



17 80] BATTLE OF HANGING EOCK. 273 

stored in a house occupied by Mrs. Thomas with her daugh- 
ter and son-in-law, which was attacked by a party of the en- 
emy. Aware that Sumter's army would be powerless if the 
ammunition were taken, they determined to defend it to the 
last extremity. The doors were barricaded. The two wo- 
men loaded guns, and the son-in-law discharged them with 
such rapidity and effect, that the British supposed a body of 
men to be posted there, and gave up the attack. The pow- 
der was saved, but there was only enough to afford each 
man two charges. With this small allowance, the battle of 
Hanging Rock was commenced. Fortunately the tories fled 
early in the action, and the ammunition they left behind en- 
abled Sumter's men to repel the bayonets of the British. 
Nothing but the arrival of reinforcements saved the latter 
from total defeat. 

Among the boys who began a brave career under Sum- 
ter in the battle of Hanging Rock, was Andrew Jackson, not 
yet fourteen years of age. He and his brother were soon 
afterwards captured, but in the spring of 1781 they were set 
fi'ee by an exchange of prisoners. Both were sick with small- 
pox at the time ; Andrew survived, his brother died. The 
account they gave of the sufferings of their countrymen on 
the prison-ships in Charleston harbor induced their widowed 
mother, with a few other intrepid women, to visit them, at 
the risk of insult and danger, with food, clothing, and medi- 
cine. Having contracted the fatal prison fever on board one 
of the ships, Mrs. Jackson died on her return, a short dis- 
tance from Charleston, a martyr to the heroic spirit which 
animated the daughters of Carolina in " the times that tried 
men's souls". The young Andrew, thus left without a single 
relative in the land of his birth, devoted much of his life 
from this time to the service of his country, who afterwards 
rewarded his fidehty with the highest office in her gift. 

377. Sumter's success, added to the intelligence of Gates' 
rapid approach, alarmed Cornwallis, and he hastened from 

ish ? How many charges did each man have ? How was a further supply obtained ? 
How did the battle of Hanging Eock terminate ? Who began a brave career at Hang- 
ing Rock ? How old was he ? What befell Andrew Jackson and his brother ? Give an 

12* 



274 CAMPAIGN OF 1780. [l780 

Charleston to Camden to take command of the army, which 
had been left under Lord Rawdon. Eight hmidred men 
were too sick to take the field. A still larger number in the 
American ranks were unfit for service from the same, cause ; 
so that, after sending the sick with his extra stores and lug- 
gage to Waxhaws, Gates found he had but 3,663 men in his 
camp. With this force drawn up in order of battle, at ten 
o'clock on the night of August 15 [1780], he set out in pro- 
found silence, in the hope of surprismg the enemy. 

By a singular coincidence, Cornwallis had formed the same 
design ; and about the time that Gates marched for Camden, 
he left his quarters to surprise the American camp. Neither 
party was aware of the other's movements ; and, at two on 
the morning of the 16th, much to their surprise, the hostile 
forces met. The discovery was made on both sides at the 
same moment, and firing unmediately commenced. The in- 
terval till daylight was employed in preparing for a general 
engagement. Hardly had the battle begun, when part of the 
American militia, quailing before the terrible fire to which 
they were exposed, threw down their arms and fled. In vain 
the regulars nobly seconded the eflbrts of the intrepid De 
Kalb ; they were forced to give way before the superior dis- 
cipline of the British regiments. Tarleton's cavalry com- 
pleted the rout, and strewed the road for miles with dying 
and dead. The defeat at Camden cost the Americans great 
quantities of stores, and nearly 2,000 men, killed, wounded, 
and captured. De Kalb, the friend of La Fayette and fellow- 
sufierer with Washington at Valley Forge, fell in the battle, 
pierced with eleven wounds, and died a prisoner three days 
afterwards. A lieutenant, who threw his arms romid his 
commander to save him from the bayonets of the foe, was 
himself mortally wounded. Forty-five years after the death 
of De Kalb, a monument was erected to his memory at Cam- 
den, the corner-stone of which was laid by La Fayette. 

account of their mother's fate. 377. Who took command of the British army at Cam- 
den ? How many of Cornwallis's men were unfit for service ? How large a force had 
Gates? Where did Gates send bis sick ? What was his plan of operations on the 15th 
of August? What was contemplated by Cornwallis? Under what circumstances did 
the hostile armies meet ? What followed ? Give an account of the battle of Camden. 



17 80] DEPRECIATION OF CONTINENTAL MONEY. 275 

Gates was unable to rally his men. Over dreary miles of 
swamp and pine-barrens they held their flight. Many who 
had before been wavering, now hastened to show their devo- 
tion to the king and secure a share of the spoils by joining 
in the pursuit. At last, harassed and exhausted, the rem- 
nants of the defeated army found refuge in Charlotte, N. C. ; 
and there, after a time, Gates was superseded by Gen. Greene. 

378. Carolina was now completely at the mercy of the 
British. Sumter, after capturing some stores at Wa-ter-ee' 
Ford, was surprised by the active Tarleton, and lost most of 
his men. Marion retired to his forest fastnesses, but was still 
the scourge of hostile parties, on whom he fell when they 
deemed themselves most secure. For a time this gallant 
partisan and his men were the only active defenders of 
American liberty in the south. 

379. During the year 1780, Congress was continually ham- 
pered in its action by a want of money. At the commence- 
ment of the war, the feeble colonies, having no funds at 
command, had been obliged to issue bills of credit, for the 
payment of which they pledged the public faith. The cause 
of hberty required constant advances; and in 1780 it was 
found that no less than |200,000,000 of continental money 
(as it was called) was in circulation. 

At first the bills passed at par, that is for the full sum 
which they promised to pay ; but, as Congress kept issuing 
large amounts, which they could not redeem with gold or 
silver, people would not take them, except at a great discount, 
or allowance. Thus, in April, 1780, one silver dollar was 
worth forty in continental bills ; and soon afterwards no less 
than 175 in bills was given for one in specie. A pair of boots 
at this time sold for $600 continental money. To injure still 
more the credit of Congress, the British flooded the country 

What did this defeat cost the Americans ? What able general fell ? Where has a monu- 
ment been erected to De Kalb's memory ? Describe the retreat of the American army. 
Where did 'the remnants of the army assemble ? Who superseded Gates ? 378. What 
befell Sumter? Who for a time was the sole defender of the American cause in Care 
lina? 379. Describe the financial diflBculties of Jongress. At last how much continental 
money was in circulation ? For what did the bills originally pass ? What caused them to 
become less valuable? To what extent did they depreciate? What means did the 



276 Arnold's treachery. [itso 

with counterfeit bills, which it was impossible to distinguish 
from those that were genuine. At last no one would take 
continental money on any terms ; those who had it on hand 
were plunged in the greatest distress, and all business was 
paralyzed. In this desperate state of affau'S, a few noble- 
hearted patriots stepped forward to the relief of their suffer- 
ing country. Robeit Morris, with the aid of some influential 
fellow-citizens, established a bank in Philadelphia, which was 
found so useful that Congress pledged the faith of the United 
States to sustain it, and in 1781 estabhshed the bank of North 
America on the same basis, intrusting Mr. Morris with its 
management. 

380. The noble efforts of the women of our country must 
not be forgotten. Wishing to do all in their power for the 
holy cause, they organized societies and made up large quan- 
tities of clothing with then* own hands for the suffering sol- 
diers. Particularly was this done in Philadelphia, where Dr. 
Franklin's daughter and the wife of Gen. Joseph Reed took 
a prominent part in the movement. No less than $7,500 
worth of clothing was thus contributed ; and many a needy 
and ragged soldier invoked a blessing on the tender-hearted 
women of the dear land for which he fought, when he was 
enabled, through their labors, to exchange his tattered gar- 
ments for a warm and comfortable suit. 



CHAPTER XYII. 

ARNOLD'S TREACHERY. BATTLE OF KING'S MOUNTAIN. 

381. The British attempted little in the north during 
1780; and the condition of Washington's army prevented 
him from acting on the offensive. Notwithstanding the re- 
British take to injure the credit of Congress ? What was the result? Who came for- 
ward to the aid of Congress ? How were the diflBculties in question for a time relieved ? 
880. How did the women of America contribute to the relief of the soldiers? Where, 
in particular, was this done ? 
3S1. What is said of operations in the north during 1780? What hampered Wash- 



1780] HE OBTAINS COMMAND OF WEST POINT. 277 

lief afforded from time to time by public-spirited men, it was 
found difficult to provide food for the soldiers ; and, as their 
terms expired, they withdrew from the service. When, 
therefore, a French fleet, which had been sent to the aid of 
America through the influence of La Fayette, arrived at 
Newport, on the 13th of July, Washington had neither the 
men nor the supplies necessary for cooperating with it. Be- 
fore he was ready to take the field, the arrival of a strong 
British fleet at New York made the enemy once more mas- 
ters of the sea, and kept the Americans and their allies from 
active operations. 

382. Hardly had the hopes of Washington been thus dis- 
appointed when a blow was struck at the cause of liberty in 
a quarter where it was least expected. Gen. Arnold, whose 
services at Quebec, Stillwater, and elsewhere, we have men- 
tioned in high terms, had been placed in command at Phila- 
delphia after its evacuation by the British, but had there 
been guilty of dishonesty and made himself generally offen- 
sive to the inhabitants. By order of Congress, he was tried 
before a court-martial, and, in compliance with its verdict, 
was reprimanded by Washington. This punishment, though 
well deseiwed, excited in Arnold's soul a fierce thirst for ven- 
geance, and left him no rest till he had devised a plan for 
betraying his country to the enemy. Professing unaltered 
attachment to the cause he had defended with his blood, he 
solicited the command of West Point, at that time the most 
important post in the hands of the Americans. Having re- 
ceived the desired appointment in consideration of his pre- 
vious services, he forthwith proposed to Gen. Clinton to 
betray the fortress into his hands. Clinton, who believed 
that the loss of this post would put an end to "the rebelUon", 
gladly listened to the offer, and sent Major Andre to confer 
with the traitor on the conditions of the surrender. 

Andre sailed up the Hudson on the Yulture, a British 

ington's movements? On the 13th of July, 17S0, what arrived? Before Washington 
was ready to cooperate with the French, what took place? 382. What city had been 
intrusted to Arnold ? What is said of his course at Philadelphia ? How was he pun- 
ished ? To what did this excite him ? Of what fortress did he obtain command ? [See 
Map, p. 264.— How is West Point situated ?] To whom did he make proposals for its 



278 



ARNOLD'S TKEACHEKY. 



[l780 



sloop-of-war, landed in the evening a few miles below West 
Point, and shortly after midnight was met by Ai-nold in a 
thicket near the shore. Here the details of then* scheme 
were discussed in whispers; but morning dawned before 
they had jfinished, and they withdrew to a house within the 
American lines. In the course of the morning [September 
22nd] the terms were settled. Arnold was to receive £10,000 
and the rank of brigadier-general in the British army. Clin- 
ton was to ascend the river and appear before West Point, 
which would be given up after a show of resistance. Plans 
of the work and a statement of its condition were given to 
Andre, who concealed them in his ^^tockings. The bargain 
having been con- 
cluded, Arnold 
returned to his 
head-quarters at 

Beverly Robm- w^tf-w,- /i _^-^?-^^2^3;^-^ 
son's house, after '^mFffM4r-''^^^^Ti " ^^^^ 
giving Andre a 
pass, with whicli 

in the evening he ^'^i^^^ ^^g 3^^ig^.s^-^4- ^fc^Jb^aUU ^, ) 
set out for New 
York city. Ta- 
king the east side 

of the river he Bt"\l'rL\ lUBl^SO^S HOLSI, AINOLDS UFAD-yLAUXH'S 

reached the neighborhood of Tarrytown in safety [see Map, 
p. 264] ; but there, almost mthin sight of the British lines, 
he was stopped by three patriots, John Paulding, Isaac Yan 
Wart, and David Williams. Supposing from what they said 
that they were royaUsts, Andre avowed himself a British 
officer; but, on discovering liis mistake, he produced Ar- 
nold's pass, and begged that he might continue his journey. 
The suspicions of his captors were aroused, and insisting on 
a search of his person they discovered the important papers 

surrender ? Who was sent to confer with Arnold ? Give an account of their interview. 
Where did they go when it became light ? What conditions were agreed on ? What 
were given to Andre ? On tho conclusion of the business, where did Arnold go ? When 
did Andre start ? Give an account of his capture. [See Map, p. 264 — In what direction 
is West Point from Peekskill ? What was the ground about Tarrytown. on which An- 




1780] HE MAKES GOOD HIS ESCAPE. 279 

already mentioned. Refusing to release him, even for ten 
thousand guineas, they bore him to the nearest American 
post. The officer there in command, not suspecting Arnold, 
sent Andi-e to his quarters with a letter explaining why he 
was detained ; but, on consultation with others, the order 
was countermanded. Andre was taken to North Salem, 
whence he wrote to Washington, informing him of his name 
and rank, and the circumstances in which he was placed. 

On the morning of Andre's arrest, Arnold expected Wash- 
ington at his quarters ; but, as the latter did not arrive, he 
sat down to breakfast mth his family. While there, a letter 
was placed in his hands, announcing Andre's capture. Call- 
ing his wife up-stairs, he told her that they must part at 
once, perhaps forever, and bade her a hasty adieu. Mrs. 
Arnold, who was unacquainted with her husband's treacher- 
ous designs, dismayed at his words, fell fainting to the floor. 
Hastily kissing his infant boy, who lay asleep in the cradle, 
the traitor left the house by an unfrequented path, and es- 
caped in his barge to the Vulture, which lay a few miles be- 
low. Here he not only refused to give the boatmen their 
fee, but even offered to surrender them as prisoners to the 
British. The captain of the Vulture, however, despising his 
meanness, paid the men and let them go. 

Washington presently arrived at the Robinson house, and, 
not finding Arnold, crossed to West Point. Here he was 
equally unsuccessful. Returning to Robinson's, he soon had 
an explanation of Arnold's absence in the news of Andre's 
capture and the papers found on his person. Unfortunately, 
it was too late to arrest the traitor. A letter was shortly 
after received from him, soUciting protection for his wife. 
It foimd her frantic with despair at her husband's disgrace. 
She was treated kindly by the American officers, and allowed 
to rejoin the unworthy object of her affection. 

dre was captured, called ?] Where was Andre taken at first ? Where, finally ? From 
North Salem, to whom did Andre write? State the circumstances under which Arnold 
learned the discovery of his plot Describe his parting interview with his wife. How 
did he escape? How did he treat the boatmen to whom he owed his escape ? Mean- 
while, who arrived at the Eobinson house? Where did he seek Arnold? What at 
length explained Arnold's absence? How did his wife feel? How was she treated? 



280 



TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF ANDRE. 



[l780 



383. Washing- 
ton now fixed his 
head-quarters at 
Tappan, and An- 
dre was conveyed 
thither under a 
strong escort. He 
was tried by a 
court of fourteen 
generals, among 
whom were La 
Fayette, Greene, 
Steuben, and Stir- 
ling. The prison- 
er conducted his 




WASHINGTON'S QTIAETFKS AT TAPPAV. 



own defence, and made a plain statement of the facts, deny- 
ing that he was a spy, inasmuch as he had entered the Amer- 
ican lines on the invitation of an American general. The 
court, however, after long deliberation, pronounced him a 



spy, 



and sentenced him to death. Andre was a brave, amia- 



ble, and accomplished man ; and his sentence, though just, 
excited the sympathies of Americans as well as British. Clin- 
ton tried every means to effect his release. "Washington pro- 
posed to exchange him for Arnold ; but, gladly as the British 
general would have done this, he felt that he could not hon- 
orably break his faith even with a traitor, and reluctantly 
declined the offer. The sentence was carried into effect on 
the 2nd of October. Andre showed no fear of death, but 
asked to be shot, instead of hanged. Even this last request 
Washington felt compelled to refuse. The remains of the 
unfortunate officer were buried near the place of execution, 
but were afterwards disinterred and taken to London, where 
they now rest in Westminster Abbey. The three honest 



S83. Where did Washington now fix his head-quarters ? Who was brought there ? Give 
an account of Andre's trial and defence. What was the verdict ? What was Andre's 
character ? What eflforts were made by Clinton ? What did Washington propose ? 
How was this proposal received by Clinton ? When was the sentence carried out ? 
What was Andre's last request? What became of Andre's remains? How were his 



1780] ATTEMPT TO CAPTURE ARNOLD. 281 

patriots who refused his bribes were rewarded by Congress 
with a silver medal and a pension of $200 a year. 

384. Washington could not give up the hope of punishing 
Arnold for his perfidy, and with the aid of Major Lee laid a 
plan to capture him. A Virginian named John Champe un- 
dertook the dangerous enterprise, which was kept a profound 
secret. Champe left the American camp late at night. An 
alarm was given ; but Lee, aware of the cause, managed to 
give the pretended deserter sufficient time to make good his 
escape to a British boat. He j)layed his part so well that he 
was received without the least suspicion into Arnold's legion 
of loyahsts and deserters. The traitor's quarters were in 
the lower part of Broadway, New York. Champe's plan 
was to seize him in the garden back of his house, gag him, 
and convey him in a boat across the river. He was prevent- 
ed from executing it by Arnold's accidentally changing his 
quarters. Compelled to accompany his regiment to Vir- 
ginia, he at last found an opportunity of rejoining his old 
companions, among whom the story of his risks awakened 
no httle interest. Ai'nold received the promised reward, 
and wreaked his mahce on America by devastating different 
parts of the country ; but, on his arrival in England, he was 
treated with universal contempt. In his native country, his 
name was always mentioned mth detestation. " I was born 
in America," said Arnold years afterwards to a French states- 
man, " I lived there to the prime of my life ; but, alas ! I 
can call no man in America my friend." 

385. After his success at Camden, Cornwallis proceeded 
to overrun North Carolina. Advancing as far as Charlotte, 
he waited for Major Ferguson, who had been sent to the 
mountain-region to enrol the loyalists, and overawe those 
that favored the patriot cause. Ferguson met with more 
resistance than he anticipated. At one place, a lady at whose 
house he stopped, after waiting on him and his officers at ta- 

captors rewarded ? 384 Who laid a plan to capture Arnold ? By -whom was the enter- 
prise undertaken ? Give an account of Champe's adventures. What is said of Arnold's 
subsequent history ? What remark did he make to a French statesman ? 885. What 
were Cornwallis's movements, after gaining the victory of Camden ? Who was sent to 



282 BAriLE OF king's mountain. [irso, 

ble, stole from the room, momited a wild yomig horse, rode 
to a neighboring encampment of Americans, and warned 
them that they were in danger of attack. She was absent 
so short a time that she escaped suspicion ; and, when the 
British attempted to surprise the Americans shortly before 
daylight, they found the latter ready to receive them with 
loaded rifles. In the battle which ensued, the British were 
repulsed with great loss. 

By this time the mountaineers were collecting in numbers 
under Colonels Campbell and Shelby and other distinguished 
officers. Even the want of ammunition did not keep them 
from the field. They made their own powder, from nitre 
found in the mountain caverns and charcoal burned by the 
women on their own hearths. A thousand of these deter- 
mined men gave chase to Ferguson's detachment, and over- 
took it at King's Mountain on the Yth of October. En- 
camped on the top, the British felt secure ; but with such 
impetuous courage and deadly aim were they attacked, that 
their leader and many of his best officers fell, and the rest, 
finding themselves hemmed in on all sides, surrendered. 
Their total loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners, amounted 
to over 1,100 men. The Americans had but 20 killed, though 
a large number were wounded. Ten tories, who had been 
active in robbing and murdering their countrymen, were 
hanged the following morning. 



-♦-•-♦- 



CHAPTER XYIII. 

CAMPAIGN OF IVSI. — THE COWPENS. GUILFORD COUKT- 

HOUSE. — NINETY-SIX. EUTAW SPRINGS. 

386. The commencement of the year 1781 found the af- 
fairs of America in a more hopeless condition than ever. 

the mountain-region ? For what purpose ? Tell how a body of Americans was saved 
from surprise. Under what leaders did the mountaineers collect ? How did they get 
powder? Where did they overtake Ferguson's detachment? When? [See Map, p. 
286.— Where is King's Mountain ?] Give an account of the engagement. What waa 
the lose on each side ? What was done to ten of the captured tories ? 



178l] MUTINIES IN THE AMERICAN CAMP. 283 

Congress had resolved to have an efficient army in the field 
by the 1st of January. But men would not enlist when the 
sufi*erings of those already in the service were known through- 
out the land ; and it was even feared that the few before 
enrolled, would have to be disbanded for want of food. On 
the night of January 1st, 1781, the Pennsylvania regiments 
broke out into open mutiny, declaring that they would march 
to Philadelphia, and compel Congress to redress then* wrongs. 
Gen. Wayne, who was a great favorite with his men, tried 
to no purpose to restrain them. They presented their bay- 
onets to his breast, and 1,300 strong commenced their march 
to Philadelphia. Washington was at New Windsor ; and, 
not feeling sure of the disposition of the other troops, he 
thought it best to let Congress settle the difficulty. A com- 
mittee of that body met the disaffected men, and succeed- 
ed in satisfying them. While still msistmg on their rights, 
they were as staunch patriots as ever ; not only had they no 
idea of joining the royal army, but they even handed over 
to Gen. Wayne, as spies, several emissaries, who had come to 
seduce them into the British ser\dce. 

The example of the Pennsylvanians was soon followed by 
the New Jersey brigade ; and Washington found it neces- 
sary to put down the mutiny by force, and execute its lead- 
ers on the spot. These demonstrations showed Congress 
the necessity of more earnest efforts for obtaining funds and 
properly supporting the army. As the resom-ces of America 
seemed to be exhausted, an agent was sent to France for the 
purpose of obtaining a loan. In February, 1781, Robert 
Morris was appointed superintendent of finance. By using 
his private credit for the government, he restored confidence 
in the honesty of Congress and its ability to pay its debts. 
The Bank of North America was established by his recom- 



3S6. Describe the state of affairs in America at the commencement of 1781. What 
apprehensions were entertained? What took place, January 1, 17S1? What passed 
between the insurgents and Gen. Wayne ? Where was Washington ? What did he 
deem it best to do? How did Congress settle the difficulty ? What did the mutineers 
do to the British emissaries? By whom was this example of mutiny followed ? What 
course was pursued by Washington ? What was the consequence of these demonstra- 
tions ? Where was it attempted to obtain a loan ? What office was conferred on Rob- 



284 BAITLE OF THE COWPENS. [l78l 

mendation and placed under his direction. Securing all the 
gold that he could obtain in the United States, he redeemed 
the bills of the bank as they were presented, and then pri- 
vately sending round agents, again got possession of the 
gold, and was ready to redeem more. It was out of his 
power to make good the $200,000,000 of continental money 
already issued ; but the engagements entered into from this 
time were promptly met, and the army was kept from dis- 
banding. 

387. Congress, in 17 7 7, had agreed upon certain "Articles 
of Confederation", to serve as a basis of union for the states. 
Several years elapsed before these articles were ratified by 
all the members of the confederacy. Maryland was the last 
to accept them, March 1, 1781. 

388. On his appointment to the command of the southern 
department, General Greene reorganized the army, and sta- 
tioned detachments at various exposed points. A division 
of 1,000 men under Gen. Morgan, one of the heroes of Still- 
water, was posted at the junction of the Broad and Pac-o-let' 
Rivers [see Map, p. 286]. Tarleton, with a superior force, 
was dispatched against them. The Americans fell back to 
a favorable position at the Cowpens ; and there, on the 17th 
of January, 1 781, an obstinate engagement took place. Tarle- 
ton's men charged with that fierce impetuosity, a\ hich in for- 
mer battles had at once insured victory by throwing the 
American militia into confusion ; but on this occasion they 
were received with a firmness they had not expected, and 
the deadly aim of men used to the rifle. This brave resist- 
ance made the British veterans waver, and a vigorous charge 
of Col. Washington's cavalry, supported by the infantry un- 
der Col. Howard, decided the fortune of the day in favor of 
the patriots. The Americans lost about 70 men, of whom 
but 12 were killed. The British loss amounted to 100 killed 
and 533 captured. Valuable spoils, including 35 baggage- 

ert Morris? State the measures taken by Mr. Morris to sustain the credit of Congress. 
887. What is said of the " Articles of Confederation" ? 338. What was Gen. Greene's 
first care on assuming command ? Where was Morgan posted ? [See Map, p. 286.— 
Describe the Broad Kiver. The Pacolet Where were the Cowpens situated ?] Who 
was sent against Morgan's detachment ? Where did Morgan and Tarleton meet ? Give 



i78i] morgan's memorable retreat. 285 

wagons and 100 dragoon horses, fell into the hands of the 
victors. 

Tarleton, who had been wounded by Col. Washington in 
a personal encounter during the battle, could not forgive his 
antagonist. Some time afterwards he remarked in company 
that he had heard Col. Washington was so ignorant he could 
not write his own name. " Ah ! colonel," replied a whig 
lady who was present, " you should know better ; for you 
bear evidence that he can malce his mark.'''' 

389. Cornwallis was much chagrined at Tarleton's defeat. 
Destroying his heavy baggage, he set out with all speed in 
pursuit of Morgan, who, after the victory at the Cowpens, 
had made for Virginia. By rapid marches the Americans 
reached the Catawba, and crossed it just two hours before 
the British army arrived at the bank. As the day was near- 
ly spent, Cornwallis concluded to wait till morning ; but 
during the night a heavy rain set in, and the river was so 
swollen that for three days it was impassable. At the expi- 
ration of that time, the pursuit was resumed. 

Meanwhile Gen. Greene, who had hastened to Morgan's 
aid, assumed command of the retreating army. While Corn- 
wallis was crossing the Catawba, the American general en- 
tered the town of SaHsbury [sawlzf-her-ry\ drenched with 
rain and overcome "vvith fatigue. The hostess of the inn 
at which he i3ut up, hearing him say that he was " himgry, 
alone, and penniless," after preparing his dinner, brought 
him all the money she had, and bade him take it, at the 
same time assuring him that the people were still devoted to 
the cause of liberty. 

390. Encouraged and refreshed. Gen. Greene continued 
the retreat Tvdth all possible haste. That same evening he 
reached the Yad'-kin, a few miles north of Salisbury, and 
Cornwallis passed the night at the latter place. Before 
dawn, the whole American army had crossed the river. 



an account of the battle of the Cowpens. What anecdote is told of Tarleton ? 3S9. 
Where did Morgan go after his victory at the Cowpens? What did Cornwallis imme- 
diately do? Give an account of the crossing of the Catawba. Who now assumed the 
command of the American army? What story is told of the landlady at Salisbury? 



286 



RETREAT OF THE AMERICAN ARMY. 



[l781 




IsmdT 



OF 

SOUTilERN- CAMPAIGN 
1780-8K 



Sava-n-nd, 



Hardly were they safe on the other side, when another heavy 
rain commenced ; and by the time the British came up they 
found a sweUing flood which it was impossible to cross. 
Cornwallis marched up the west side of the river to Hunts- 
ville, eifected the passage at that place, and pressed on to 
intercept the weary Americans before they should reach the 
fords of the Dan. 

On the 7th of February, Greene and his men reached 
Guilford Court House, 150 miles from the Cowpens. A short 
rest was here allowed them, and a junction was effected with 
the remainder of the army. Still they were too weak to face 
the enemy, and the retreat was continued. Cornwallis, who 
had crossed higher up, moved by forced marches in a parallel 
direction, and both armies advanced at the rate of 30 miles 
a day. Greene reached the ford first, and on the 14th the 

390. What was the position of Greene and Cornwallis on the ensuing night ? [See 
Map.— Describe the Yadkin. What is its name in South Carolina? How is Salisbury 
situated ?] What detained Cornwallis here ? What river was next to he reached ? Give 



178l] BATTLE OF GUILFORD COURT HOUSE. 287 

whole army got over in safety. Comwallis here gave up the 
pursuit, and retired to Hillsborough. Both Morgan and 
Greene displayed great ability in conducting this memorable 
retreat. The men bore their hardships with the most praise- 
worthy fortitude. Their clothing was wretched ; their shoes 
were completely worn out. During most of the m'arch they 
had eaten but one meal a day, and had slept in the open air, 
there being no time to pitch their tents. 

391. As soon as his army had recovered from its fatigue, 
Greene again took the field, with the view of harassing the 
enemy. He avoided a general action by constantly changing 
his position, but sent out detachments which encountered the 
enemy with success. On one occasion, a band of tories mis- 
took Col. Lee's troop for a company of their own men, and 
were cut down by the Americans, while exclaiming " God 
save the king !" For three weeks this kind of war was con- 
tinued, and so scarce were provisions that the American gen- 
eral was often obliged to ask his soldiers for a piece of bread. 

On the 15th of March, Greene determined to hazard an 
engagement. His army had been increased by reinforce- 
ments to 4,400 men, more than half of whom were militia, 
and at Guilford Court House [see Map, p. 286] he offered 
battle to the enemy. Hardly had the action commenced, 
when the American militia, seized ^^Hith a panic, gave way. 
The regulars allowed the retreating militia to pass through 
their ranks, and maintained the conflict for an hour and a 
half. The superior discii^line of the British, however, finally 
prevailed. Gen. Greene, seeing his men forced back, and 
apprehending a failure of ammunition, drew off his army in 
good order, but was obliged to leave his artillery in the 
hands of the enemy. By the latter this victory was dea^-ly 
bought. They had lost 600 men and many valuable officers. 
Four hundred and nineteen Americans were killed and 

an account of the march of the hostile armies. Who reached the ford first ? Where did 
Cornwallis then proceed ? What is said of this famous retreat ? 391. What was Greenes 
next movement? What policy did he pursue? What mistake was made by a band of 
tories ? What is said of the scarcity of provisions ? Where did Greene make a stand on 
the 15th of March ? With how many men ? Give an account of the battle of Guilford 
Court House. [See Map, p. 286.— Where is Guilford Court House?] State the loss on 



288 ARNOLD IN VIRGINIA. [l781 

wounded, and many of the militia embraced the opportu- 
nity to desert. A dark, rainy night succeeded this day of 
slaughter. The dead and wounded were left on the field, 
and many perished for want of shelter. 

392. Though a victor, Cornwallis deemed it prudent to 
retreat ; and Greene, who had retired a short distance, was 
soon on his track. The British reached Wilmington early 
in April. Greene passed on with the view of recovering 
South Carolina. Cornwallis left the defence of that state to 
Lord Kawdon's division, which was already there, and to- 
wards .the close of April set out with his army fo'r Vii'ginia. 
We must go back a few months, to note what was there 
transpiring. 

393. On the 4th of January, Arnold, who had sailed from 
New York with instructions to devastate southern Virginia, 
landed near Richmond with 1,600 men and destroyed a 
quantity of stores. Bm^ning with hate against the patriots 
whom he had tried to betray, he sent out detachments in 
difterent directions, w^hose course was marked with blood 
and flames. With malignant pleasure he set fire to private 
as well as public property, and laid waste many a happy 
home and thriving plantation. 

To stop these outrages. La Fayette was sent to Virginia 
with 1,200 men, and the French fleet was dispatched from 
Rhode Island to prevent Arnold's escape by sea. A British 
squadron started in pursuit of the French ; and an engage- 
ment took place ofi" Cape Henlopen, which rendered it neces- 
sary for the latter to return. Clinton then sent a reinforce- 
ment of 2,000 men to the aid of Arnold, and the work of 
devastation was carried on more vigorously than ever. La 
Fayette exerted himself to the utmost to protect the country, 
but his force was inadequate to the purpose. His men were 
chiefly from the north ; and fears of the cUmate and the su- 
perior numbers of the enemy, led many to desert. La Fay- 
each side. What proved fatal to many of the wounded ? 892. After this victory, where 
did the British retire ? [See Map. — Where is Wilmington ?] Describe Greene's next 
movements. What did Cornwallis do? 393. Give an account of Arnold's proceedings 
in Virginia. What measures were taken to stop these ravages? How were the French 
prevented from co perating? How was Arnold reinforced? Under what difficulties 



178lJ BATTLE OF HOBKIRK's HILL. 289 

ette set forth the baseness of such conduct to his soldiers, 
and told them that if those who wished to abandon their 
comrades would make knoT\Ti theu' desire, he would give 
them a permit to leave. Not a man accepted the offer, nor 
were there any more desertions. General enthusiasm pre- 
vailed; a sergeant who was unable to walk even hired a 
place in a cart that he might keep up with the army. The 
generous Frenchman rewarded the devotion of his followers 
by supplying them with shoes, linen, and other necessaries, 
at his own expense. 

394. On his arrival from North Carolina, Cornwallis took 
command of the army in Virginia, and continued to ravage 
the country. The tobacco warehouses and shipping of Pe- 
tersburg were destroyed. Wherever there was a fine plan- 
tation, the British made a descent, and the royal cavalry 
obtained a new supply of horses at the expense of the whig 
farmers. Tarleton captm'ed several members of the Legis- 
lature at Charlottesville, and burned part of the stores there 
collected, the rest having been saved by Jefferson. After 
spending most of the summer in these oj^erations, and de- 
stroying property to the value of $10,000,000, CornwaUis 
collected his forces, and retii'ed to Yorktown, which he pro- 
ceeded to fortify. 

395. We left Gen, Greene in April, 1781, on the march for 
South Carolina. Lord Rawdon, the British commander, lay 
at Camden; and thither Greene marched with his main body. 
He encamped at Hobkirk's Hill, a mile from the enemy's lines. 
On the 25th of April, a British prisoner escaped and bore 
such information to Lord Rawdon as induced him to make 
an immediate attack on the Americans. For a time the 
latter had the advantage ; but at the moment of victory a 
band of regulars gave way. Greene was forced to retreat, 
but lost in the action only 18 killed, to 38 on the part of the 
British. 

did La Fayette labor? How did he put a stop to desertions? Give an instance of the 
subsequent enthusiasm of his troops. How did La Fayette reward them ? 394. Giva 
an account of Cornwallis's and Tarleton's operations in Virginia. Whither did Corn- 
wallis finally retire ? 395. On entering South Carolina, to what place did Greene pro- 
ceed ? Where did he encamp ? What led Rawdon to attack him ? Give an account of 

13 



290 SIEGE OF NINETY-SIX. [l781 

396. Marion and Lee, meantime, were enjoying a series of 
triumphs on the Congaree. Among the points which they 
attacked was Fort Motte, the residence of a whig lady, which 
the enemy had taken and fortified. The garrison refused to 
surrender ; and, as Rawdon had destroyed his works at Cam- 
den and was on his way down the river, there was no time 
for a siege. Mrs. Motte insisted that the assailants should 
fire her house to dislodge the enemy. She produced a large 
bow, and burning arrows soon set the shingled roof in flames. 
The occupants tried to put out the fire ; but, as often as they 
appeared, Marion's riflemen drove them back. At length, 
to save their lives, they surrendered. The flames were ex- 
tinguished ; and Mrs. Motte, restored to her home, sump- 
tuously entertained the oflficers of both armies. 

397. One after another, the posts of the British were taken, 
and at last only Ninety-Six, Augusta, and Charleston remained 
in their possession. The first of these was strongly fortified, 
and garrisoned by 550 tories, under Col. Cru'-ger. On the 
22nd of May, Gen. Greene appeared before it, and with the 
aid of Kosciusko commenced a regular siege. The tories 
made a gallant resistance, in the hope of rehef ; and, though 
Greene pushed the work with unremitting energy, the ap- 
proach of the British commander compelled him to raise the 
siege, after an unsuccessfiil assault. At Augusta the Ameri- 
cans were more successftd ; the garrison at that place capitu- 
lated, on the 5th of June, to Col. Pickens. 

Soon after leaving Ninety-Six, it became important for 
Greene to communicate with Sumter ; but, as the surround- 
ing country was filled with British and tories, no one offered 
to undertake the dangerous mission. In this emergency, a 
girl of eighteen years, named Emily Geiger [gi^-jer], volun- 
teered to make the attempt, and received from Greene a letter 
and verbal message which he wished conveyed. Mounting a 

the battle of Hobkirk's Hill ? 396. Describe the movements of Marion and Lee. Give 
an account of the siege of Fort Motte. [See Map, p. 2S6.— Where was Fort Motte?] 
897. What became of the minor posts of the British? At last what places alone were 
left them ? [See Map, p. 2S6.— How is Augusta situated ? How Ninety-six ?] Give an 
account of the siege of Ninety-six ? How was Greene compelled to raise it ? Who at- 
tacked Augusta? With what success? Tell the story of Emily Geiger. Whither did 



178l] 



EMILY GEIGER AND THE TORIES. 



291 



swift horse, Emily performed part of the distance m safety, 
but was finally stopped by two tories, who suspected that she 
might be engaged on some secret service. Left alone for a 
moment, the heroic girl embraced the opportunity to swal- 
low Gen. Greene's letter; and, nothing suspicious being 




EMILY GKIGKK AND THE TORIES. 



found upon her, she was allowed to proceed. Sumter's camp 
was reached. The message was delivered, and with such 
effect that Greene's army was soon strong enough to assume 
the offensive. Rawdon was obliged to retreat, and Greene 
sought amid the hills on the Santee to restore the health and 
energies of his men. 

398. Gen. Greene next moved towards Charleston, and 
various briUiant achievements were performed m the vicinity 
of that city by Sumter, Marion, Lee, Horry, Taylor, Hamp- 
ton, and James. Several detachments of the enemy were 
defeated and dispersed, and some vessels laden with valuable 
stores were burned. Alarmed for the safety of the city, 



Rawdon retreat ? 393. To what place did Greene next turn his attention ? What lead- 
ers performed brilliant achievements in the vicinity ? To what measure did Lord Raw- 



292 BATTLE OF EUTAW SPRINGS. [l781 

Rawdon called upon those who had taken an oath of alle- 
giance to the Jdng, to come forward for its defence. Among 
these was Col. Isaac Hayne, who, on the captm-e of the city 
by the British, to obtain his hberty and a last interview with 
his dying wife, had promised to support the royal govern- 
ment, on the assurance that he would not have to take up 
arms in its behalf. After receiving the last sigh of his wife, 
and follomng one of his children to the grave, Col. Hayne 
had remained at home, taking no part in the conflict, till he 
received Lord Rawdon's summons to repair to his standard. 
As by this act the British violated then* agreement. Colonel 
Hayne felt that he was absolved from his part of the con- 
tract. Collecting a troop of horse, he ranged the country ; 
but, after gaining some advantages, was defeated and cap- 
tured. He was sentenced to death. In vain his fellow- 
citizens, in vain the ladies of Charleston, in vain the sister 
of the prisoner and his orphan children, implored Lord Raw- 
don's mercy. On the 4th of August, Col. Hayne was hanged 
like a common criminal. 

399. At this juncture Lord Rawdon returned to England, 
leaving Col. Stuart in command of the British army in South 
Carolina. Stuart took a position at Eutaw Springs ; and 
Greene, whose army had been increased by reinforcements 
to 2,600 men, attacked him at that place. The battle was 
fought on both sides mth desperate courage. At last the 
British ranks were broken. As they gave way. Col. Camp- 
bell, who had contributed much to the success of the Amer- 
icans, fell mortally wounded ; his last words were, " I die 
contented". Col. Washington received a bayonet wound, 
and was taken, while half his troop of cavalry fell on the 
field. Still the rout of the British was general, and the 
Americans, thinking the battle was over, seized upon the 
captured stores. While they were thus scattered and off 

don resort ? Under what circumstances had Col. Hayne promised to support the royal 
government? Give an account of his subsequent history. 399. What did Lord Eaw- 
don do, at this juncture ? On whom did the command of the British devolve ? Where 
did Stuart take a position? [See Map, p. 2S6.— Where were Eutaw Springs?] What 
took place at Eutaw Springs ? Which party gave way ? Give an account of Col. Camp- 
bell's fall. What befell Col. Washington and his troop? How were the Americans 



178l] ARRIVAL OF A FRENCH FLEET. 293 

their guard, the enemy rallied and returned to renew the 
engagement. The vigilance of Greene saved his men from 
a sm-prise, and with some loss he drew them off. Though 
the British remained masters of the field, the Americans had 
the decided advantage in this battle. The former lost in 
killed, wounded, and prisoners, not far from TOO men ; the 
American loss was 555. The next day, Stuart destroyed his 
stores, and retreated towards Charleston, leaving 1,000 stands 
of arms behind him. 

This battle closed the long contest in the Carolinas. The 
patriot cause was once more triumphant. Congress voted 
the highest honors to General Greene and his officers, who 
throughout the whole campaign had conducted themselves 
with distinguished ability and valor. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

SIEGE OP YORKTOWN. SURRENDER OF CORNWALLIS. 

400. On the last day of August, 1781, a French fleet un- 
der De Grasse [du gras\ arrived in Chesapeake Bay ; and 
it was agreed between the French and the American com- 
mander to attack CornwaUis, now strongly intrenched at 
Yorktown. Washington, who had been threatening New 
York, carefully concealed this new design, and, withdrawing 
his army from the Hudson, marched rapidly towards Vir- 
ginia. Clinton did not become aware of his movements till 
it was too late to prevent them ; but he tried to recall Wash- 
ington by sending Arnold to devastate Connecticut. Used 
to this business, and glad to have an opportunity of glutting 
his malice, Arnold landed on the Thames [see Map, p. 91], 
took the posts on the west side of the river, and sent Col. 
Eyre \ire\ against Fort Griswold, on the other side. Col. 

nearly surprised ? What was the final result ? State the loss on each side. What was 
Stuart's next movement ? What is said of this battle ? What honors were rendered 
to Gen. Greene ? 

400. What took place, August 31st, 1781 ? On whom was an attack concerted ? What 
did Washington do with his army ? How did Clinton try to divert him from his pur- 



294 



SIEGE OF YORKTOWN. 



[> 



Ledyard made an heroic defence, but had at last to surrender. 
Eyre, wounded in the attack, was succeeded by Major Brora- 
field. " Who commands this fort ?" asked Bromfield, as he 
entered. "I did, but you do now," answered Ledyard, pre- 
senting his sword. Seizing the weapon, Bromfield plunged 
it into the bosom of his prisoner. The example was followed 
by his men, till a great part of the garrison was killed or 
wounded. After burning New London, and committing 
various other outrages, Arnold returned to New York. 

"Washington was not diverted from his purpose, but, lead- 
ing on his army with all possible dispatch, joined La Fay- 
ette's division, and the French troops, which had already 
disembarked before Yorktown. The command of the latter 
was assumed by the Count de Rochambeau [du ro-shong- 
ho'']. On the 28th of September the allied armies took their 
respective positions. They were not long in opening their 




pose ? Give an account of Arnold's expedition. Of the massacre at Fort Griswold. 
With whom did Washington's army effect a junction ? Who took command of the 
French ? [See Map.— On what river were Cornwallis's works ? What part of the Anier- 



17 8l] COENWALLIS ATTEMPTS TO ESCAPE. 295 

batteries. Four British vessels were set on fire in the har- 
bor by a fierce discharge of red-hot balls. Two redoubts of 
the enemy, so situated as to harass the besiegers, were storm- 
ed and carried, one by the Americans, the other by the 
French, with a steady courage which assm-ed Washington 
of success. The best feehngs prevailed between the allied 
armies. The American soldiers cheerfully sacrificed their 
own comfort to increase that of their comrades, sleeping 
without complaint in the open air that their allies might be 
provided with tents. 

401. Breaches were soon made in the British works. A 
desperate sally, at first successful, proved of no ultimate ad- 
vantage ; and, as the batteries of the besiegers were brought 
nearer and nearer, all hope gradually disappeared. Corn- 
wallis could see but one chance of escape, and, slender as it 
was, he resolved to try it. On the opposite bank of the York 
River was Gloucester [glos'-ter] Point [see Map, p. 294], 
where 2,000 Frenchmen lay intrenched. The plan of the 
British commander was to destroy his baggage, to abandon 
his sick and wounded, to transport his efficient men in the 
silence of night across the river, to force a passage through 
the French Unes, to mount as many of his men as possible, 
and make his way by forced marches to CHnton. 

The night of October 16th was selected for this desperate 
attempt. The first detachment landed on the Gloucester 
shore in safety ; but a storm set in with such fary that the 
boats bearing the second division were driven down the 
river. The wind and rain continued tUl daylight, and it 
was found impossible to get the remainder of the army 
across. Those who had landed, after being exposed to the 
storm for hours, were brought back in the morning, and all 
expectation of escape was thenceforth abandoned. 

402. Perceiving that further resistance was useless, and 

ican line did La Fayette command ? What American generals between him and Wash- 
ington ? What French general was stationed near Washington ?] What injury was 
inflicted on the British shipping? What assured Washington of success? What evi- 
dence is mentioned of the good feelings of the Americans towards their allies? 401. 
What was the effect of the fire of the besiegers ? What desperate plan was formed by 
Comwallis ? Give an account of the attempt 402. To what was Cornwallis at length 




296 SURRENDER OF CORNWALLIS. [l781 

disappointed in the hope of succor from Clinton, Comwallia 
on the 17th solicited a cessation of hostilities, with the view 
of surrendering. The terms of the capitulation were set- 
tled at the house of a _==sr-^s--=r =_____ 
Mr. Moore, near York- 
town : and on the 1 9th 
of October, the land 
force, artillery, and : 
stores were surren- 
dered to Washington ; 
the ships and seamen, 
to De Grasse. The 
whole number of pris- 
oners was 7,015. Du- 
ring the siege, the 
British had lost 552 
men ; the allies about ^^^^ 
300. Eleven thousand 
Americans and 5,000 mooke's nousE neae tokktown. 
Frenchmen took part in the siege. 

The scene of the surrender was imposing. Thousands of 
patriots assembled fi-om the surrounding country to witness 
the humiliation of that ruthless army and its detested com- 
mander. The British came forth gayly dressed, but without 
flying colors, since that honor had been denied the American 
army on its surrender at Charleston. Cornwallis would not 
appear, but sent his sword by Gen. O'Hara. Lincoln was 
selected by Washington to receive this token of submission, 
as a solace for the mortification he had experienced in sur- 
rendering Charleston the preceding year. Twenty-eight 
standards were presented to American sergeants by as many 
British captains. The soldiers then laid down their arms, 
and returned to their quarters, whence they were subse- 
quently taken to Pennsylvania. 



forced? Where were the terms of capitulation settled ? When did the surrender take 
place ? [See Map. — Where ?] Mention what the Americans gained by this surrender. 
What loss was sustained on each side during the siege ? How many Americans and 
French took part in the siege? Describe the surrender. Where were the British 



178l] HOW THE NEWS WAS EECEIVED. 297 

Notwithstanding the excesses of which Cornwallis and 
many of his officers had been guilty, they were treated with 
great consideration by their conquerors. The British leader, 
however, could not forget his humiliation. On one occasion, 
when he was standing before Washington with his hat off, 
the latter remarked, " My lord, you had better be covered 
from the cold." "It matters not, sir," replied Cornwallis, 
raising his hand to his brow, " it matters not what becomes 
of this head now." 

403. On the very day of the surrender, Clinton set out 
from New York for the relief of Cornwallis, with 25 ships- 
of-the-hne and 7,000 of his best men. Off the coast of Vir- 
ginia, he learned to his dismay that he was too late, and he 
could only retrace his course. 

404. News of the success at Yorktown rapidly spread 
through the country. One of Washington's aids bore the 
glad tidings to Philadelphia. Arriving at night, he proceed- 
ed at once to the house of the president of Congress, and 
knocked so loudly that a watchman was on the point of ar- 
resting him for disturbing the peace. He was forgiven, 
however, on announcing his joyful news. The bell of the old 
State-house soon pealed forth in exulting tones. Some were 
speechless with deUght, while others wept ; and the aged 
door-keeper of Congress died from excessive joy. Congress 
voted the highest honors to all who had aided in gaining 
this important victory. Washington celebrated the occasion 
by releasing those who were under military arrest. Reli- 
gious services were performed in the several brigades, and 
the troops were invited to unite in returning thanks to that 
Divine Power who had crowned then* labors and sufferings 
with success. 

prisoners eventually taken ? How were the oflBcers treated ? What story is told of 
Cornwallis ? 403. Give an account of Clinton's unsuccessful attempt to relieve Corn- 
wallis. 404. How was the news of the surrender conveyed to Philadelphia ? How was 
it received ? To whom were the thanks of Congress rendered ? How did Washington 
celebrate the occasion ? 

13* 



298 



END OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



[1781 



CHAPTER XX. 

END OF THE REVOLXJTIONAET WAR. 

405. Shortly af- 
ter the surrender of 
Cornwallis, Wash- 
ington, accompanied 
by a number of offi- 
cers, paid a visit to 
his mother at Fred- 
ericksburg, Va. For 
six years she had not 
seen him, and now he 
returned loaded with 
honors. A ball was 
given by the citizens 
in honor of their vis- 
itors, which the ven- 
erable lady attended. 
As she entered the 
room, leaning on the 

arm of her illustrious son, her dignity of mien deeply im- 
pressed all who were present ; and La Fayette, on the ter- 
mination of the war, would not leave the country without 
bidding a last adieu to the mother of Washington. 

406. The days of trouble were not yet over. Notwith- 
standing their losses in America, the British ministry showed 
no disposition to give up the war ; and it was indispensable 
for Congress, if it would maintain the advantages already 
gained, to raise and support an army. How could this be 
done with an empty treasury ? It was only by unceasing 
exertions that Mr. Morris had thus far maintained the credit 
of the nation and met the exjDenses of the last southern cam- 
paigns. To eke out his scanty means, he had employed an 




WASHINGTON. 



405. Describe Washington's visit to his mother. 406. By what difficulties was Con- 
gress beset ? By whose exertions had the credit of Congress been sustained ? Tell the 



1783] THE ENGLISH PEOPLE OPPOSE THE WAR. 299 

agent to accompany Greene's army, without the general's 
knowledge. Aware of the suffermgs of the soldiers from 
want of food and clothing, he knew that Greene would at 
once spend in their behalf whatever was placed in his hands, 
without retaining aught for future emergencies. He directed 
his agent, therefore, to reheve Greene only in small amounts 
and when his difficulties seemed insurmountable. Several 
times was the army thus saved from dissolution, the myste- 
rious agent disappearing as soon as he had placed the money 
on the table. At the commencement of 1782, not a doUar 
remained in the treasury. The states were called upon by 
Congress to contribute $2,000,000, but made no response. 
Mr. Morris had exhausted all the means at his command, and 
was so discouraged that he was tempted to resign his office. 
407. Lord North, George Third's prime minister, received 
the news of Cornwallis' surrender "as he would have received 
a cannon-ball in his breast" ; yet both he and the king obsti- 
nately determined to continue the war. The English peo- 
ple, however, heavily taxed for its support, felt differently. 
Burke, Fox, and other ParUamentary leaders vehemently 
opposed any further efforts to reduce America ; and early in 
March, 1782, the House of Commons passed strong resolu- 
tions against the war. Lord North resigned, and a ministry 
favorable to peace succeeded. Sir Guy Carleton was sent to 
take command of the British forces. He reached New York 
in May, and made propositions to the American authorities ; 
but Washington, finding that he would not recognize the in- 
dependence of the United States and was prepared to treat 
with them only as revolted colonies, warned the people 
against listening to his offers. Not till Grenville was sent 
to Paris with full powers to treat with France and America, 
was any well-grounded hope of peace entertained. 

Btory about Robert Morris' secret agent. What was the condition of the treasury at 
the commencement of 17S2 ? What response did the states make to the demands of 
Congress? What was Mr. Morris tempted to do? 407. How did Lord North receive 
the news of Cornwallis' surrender ? How did he and the king feel ? How, the people? 
"What resolutions were passed in March, 1782 ? What followed ? Who was sent over to 
command the British army? What propositions did he make? How were they met 
by Washington? When, at length, was a well-grounded hope of peace entertained? 



300 END OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1783 

408. As soon as the people of the TJnited States thought 
that the war was likely to end, they began to relax their ex- 
ertions and to demand of Congress the pay justly due them 
for past services. While Washington did all he could to 
soothe their discontent, he urged upon Congress the neces- 
sity of meeting their engagements to those who had served 
them faithfully in the hour of need. The British, to be sure, 
had ceased offensive operations; but they might resume 
them at any moment, and with an army on the point of mu- 
tiny there could be little hope of successful resistance. The 
discontent rose to its greatest height in the spring of 1782, 
in the camp at Newburg. Nothing but their love of Wash- 
ington restrained the army from asserting their rights by 
violence ; and never did Washington display more judgment 
than in dealing with the disaffected at this critical period. 

In May, 1782, Washington received from Col. Nic'-o-la, 
through whom the discontented troops generally made then* 
complaints, a letter setting forth the belief of the army that 
Congress was neither wihing nor able to redress their 
wrongs, and expressing a desire to place their beloved chief, 
as king^ at the head of the nation. This offer filled Wash- 
ington with grief and alarm. He rejected it ^dthout hesita- 
tion ; solemnly declaring that the reestablishment of royalty 
would be fatal to those liberties which were more precious 
than life. 

Winter found the American army still unemployed at 
Newbm-g and New Windsor. In February, 1783, they 
again sent a petition to Congress, which had as yet done 
nothing for their reUef. An indefinite answer was returned. 
Goaded by poverty, the officers, who were almost as great 
sufferers as their men, authorized one of their number to 
prepare an address, advising bolder measures and calling an 
assembly of the soldiers to decide upon the proper course of 
action. Before the appointed day, Washington convened 

408. When it seemed likely that the war -would terminate, what demands were made 
of Congress ? What advice did Washington give Congress ? Describe the disaflfection 
in the camp at Newburg. What took place in May, 1782 ? Where did the army spend 
the winter of 1782-3 ? What dangerous measure was resorted to by some of the officers ? 



178a] DISBANDING OF THE AMERICAN ARMY. 301 

his officers. In vivid colors he depicted the impropriety and 
danger of the steps they proposed, and called upon them to 
forbear from involving him, themselves, and their country, 
in one common ruin. The sympathizing leader who had 
shared all their hardships, spoke with deep feeling and was 
hstened to in silence. At the close of his remarks he retired; 
and the assembled officers, after a short consultation, decided 
to follow his advice. 

409. Meanwhile the negotiations for peace were progress- 
ing at Paris. John Adams, Benjamin FrankHn, John Jay, 
and Henry Laurens, acted in behalf of the United States. 
They obtained from Great Britain an acknowledgment ot 
the independence of their country, and articles of peace were 
signed on the 20th of January, 1783. Intelligence of the fact 
was received by Congress in March, and was hailed with re- 
joicings. The sufferings of self-denying patriots during eight 
years of hardship were thus at last rewarded with that price- 
less freedom for which they had sighed, struggled, and bled. 

410. Washington still labored to relieve the immediate 
necessities of the troops, and discharged all who could find 
the means of returning home. Many thus left without tu- 
mult, although their claims were unsettled and they had not 
a penny in their pockets. Only one company, formed of re- 
cent levies from Pennsylvania, created any serious difficulty. 
Entering Philadelphia, they marched to the state-house, and 
threatened summary vengeance if they were not immediately 
paid. After a few hours they retired, and Washington pre- 
vented a repetition of the violence by promptly sending a 
detachment to disperse the mutineers and arrest their ling- 
leaders. Notwithstanding this warning. Congress left Mr. 
Morris almost entirely to his own resources. Four months' 
pay for the army was all that his utmost exertions could raise. 

411. In August, 1'783, Sir Guy Carleton received orders to 
evacuate New York. The loyalists, fearing to stay after the 

How did Washington avert the danger ? 409. Meanwhile, what was going on at Paris ? 
Who acted forthe United States? What did they obtain from Great Britain? When 
were articles of peace signed ? How was the news received ? 410. Give an account of 
the disbanding of the troops. What was done by one company ? How much pay was 
raised for the army? 411, What orders were received by Carleton, in August, 1788? 




302 END OF THE KEVOLUTIONARY WAR. [l783 

departure of the army, removed as rapidly as possible to 
Nova Scotia and elsewhere ; and, the preliminary arrange- 
ments having been made, the 25th of November (still cele- 
brated in New York as " evacuation day") was fixed on for 
the final withdrawal of the troops. The British had been in 
possession of the city for seven years ; and during that time 
had made it the principal receptacle for the unfortunate 
Americans who fell into their hands. The prison-ships we]"e 
moored chiefly in ^^^fa^ ^ r _ _ ^ 



Wallabout \wol'-la- 
bout] Bay. On one 
of these, the Jersey, 
a thousand men were 
sometimes confined. 
Their food consisted 
of mouldy bread, 
spoiled meat, and 
other unwholesome 
and refuse articles. "^"^ ■^"^^-^e^" i^i'-ison-ship. 

Such a diet, added to foul air and want of exercise, brought 
on a variety of diseases which swept them ofi" by himdreds. 
Every morning the command was heard, " Rebels, bring out 
your dead." The bodies of the deceased were carried ashore 
and buried near the bay, in graves so shallow that they were 
often washed bare by the waves. Twenty-five years after 
the close of the war, some patriotic citizens proposed to 
gather up the remains of the prison-ship martyrs, and have 
them suitably interred. The bones of 11,000 men were col- 
lected, and followed by a large procession to a vault pre- 
pared for their reception near the Brooklyn Navy Yard. 

On the 25th of November, the British troops left New 
York ; and, as they departed, the American army, T\dth Gen. 
Washington and his aids. Governor Clinton, and many for- 
mer citizens of the place, entered from the north. The Brit- 

What was done by the loyalists ? On what day was New York evacuated ? How 
long had the British held the city? For what had they used it? How were those on 
board the prison-ships treated ? Where were they buried ? What was afterwards done 
with their remains ? Give an account of the evacuation of New York and the raising 



1783] WASHINGTON RESIGNS HIS COMMISSION. 303 

ish flag had been left flying by the retreating army. It was 
nailed to the flag-stafi* of Fort George, and that it might not 
be taken down the steps leading to it had been removed. A 
boy, however, was soon seen ascending the staff. Nailing 
on cleet after cleet as he went np, he reached the top, and, 
amid the roaring of artillery and the cheers of a delighted 
people, the ensign of Britain gave place to the stars and 
stripes of the young republic. 

412. On the 4th of December, Washington took leave of 
his officers, who assembled at his quarters to hear his parting 
words. It was an affecting scene. All that they had done 
and suffered together, all that they had hoped and feared, 
rushed before their minds. " With a heart full of love and 
gratitude," said Washington, " I now take leave of you. I 
most devoutly wish that your latter days may be prosperous 
and happy, as your former ones have been glorious and hon- 
orable. I can not come to each of you to take my leave, but 
shall be obliged if each of you will come and take me by the 
hand." Gen. Knox stood nearest, and turned to grasp the 
hand of his commander. Their emotions were too deep for 
utterance ; not a word was spoken. The rest followed, with 
full hearts and moistened cheeks. This trying scene over, 
Washington crossed to the Jersey shore, and thence pro- 
ceeded to Annapolis, where Congress was in session. 

413. At Philadelphia Washington stopped long enough to 
submit to the comptroller an account of his expenses during 
the war. They amounted to £11,311, every item being dis- 
tinctly entered by his own hand. On the 19th of December 
[1783] he reached Annapohs, and four days afterwards, 
before a full meeting of Congress and in the presence of 
numerous spectators, he surrendered his commission. An 
address full of patriotic sentiments was dehvered by Wash- 
ington, to which Gen. Mifflin, then president of Congress, 
repHed in a touching and affectionate manner, offering the 

of the American flag. 412. What was done by Washington, December 4th ? Describe 
the parting scene between Washington and his officers. Where did Washington then 
proceed? 413. What did Washington do at Philadelphia? How large a bill did he 
present ? Where was Congress in session ? When did Washington reach Annapolis ? 
Describe what took place on his surrender of his commission to Congress. 



304 FORMATION OF THE CONSTITUTION. [l783 

commander-in-chief the homage of a grateful nation, and in- 
voking on his head the blessing of the Almighty. It was a 
spectacle seldom witnessed — an adored chief, with royalty 
within his reach, voluntarily resigning his power and return- 
ing to private life. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

FORMATION OF A FEDEEAL CONSTITUTION. 

414. The independence of the United States was now 
acknowledged by Great Britain, France, Russia, Sweden, 
Spain, and Denmark ; but it was still questionable whether 
it could be maintained amid the formidable difficulties with 
which Congress was beset. The war had cost $135,000,000 ; 
and debts were still outstanding, to foreign governments and 
unpaid soldiers and officers, to the amount of $40,000,000, 
on which Congress was not even able to meet the interest. 
The states refused to act in concert, and no revenue could 
be collected without their cooperation. Unsupported, baf- 
fled, and even censured, Mr. Morris resigned the office of 
superintendent of finance, but was induced to continue in 
the discharge of its duties till November 1, 1784, when a 
board of three commissioners was appointed to succeed him. 
Seldom has an abler financier appeared for the rehef of a 
distressed country. Under his management, the expenses 
of the war were reduced from eighteen to four millions of 
dollars a year. 

415. During the war most of the states had remodelled 
their constitutions. Their forms of government were now 
strictly republican, and bore a general resemblance to each 
other. The privilege of voting was extended to every citi- 
zen, except, in several states, such as were not possessed of a 

414. What countries had now acknowledged the independence of the United States ? 
What difficulties environed Congress ? What was done by Robert Morris ? By whom 
was he succeeded? What is said of Mr. Morris? 415. During the war, what had been 
done by most of the states ? What is said of their forms of government ? Mention 



1784] DIFFICULTY WITH ENGLAND. 305 

certain amount of property. The common law of England 
prevailed, except when modified by special enactments. As 
a general thing, religious Hberty was allowed. The affairs 
of each state were regulated by a governor and two houses 
of delegates, chosen by the peo|)le. The different members 
of the confederacy were thus entirely independent of each 
other; and now, that the war was over, jealousies began 
unfortunately to arise between them. A want of union at 
home prevented the nation from being respected abroad. 
It was obvious that the power of Congress was but nominal. 

416. Hardly had the war terminated when complaints were 
made in England that debts due from American citizens could 
not be collected. Congress, having no power to enforce 
their payment, could only refer the claimants to the indi- 
vidual states. The latter alleged that the British armies had 
carried off many slaves from the American people, and that 
not until these were restored could the debts in question be 
justly claimed. There were also other causes of difficulty, 
which threatened to lead to a renewal of the war. The 
whole western frontier suffered much from the incursions of 
Indians, instigated, it was believed, by the British, and fur- 
nished with arms and ammunition at the posts still remain- 
ing in their hands in the west. 

In 1785, John Adams was appointed minister plenipoten- 
tiary to the court of Great Britain (or St. James, as it is 
called), and was there introduced to the king whom he had 
so long and successfully opposed. George III. received him 
kindly, and assured him that though he had been the last to 
agree to the separation of the United States, he would be 
among the first to meet their friendship as an independent 
power. Mr. Adams labored hard at London to obtain a fair 
commercial treaty for his country, but without success. The 
heavy duty laid by Great Britain on the productions of 

some of their provisions. What feelings began to arise between the several states? 
What was the effect abroad of this want of union ? 416. Soon after the conclusion of 
peace, what complaints were made by England ? How were these claims met by Con- 
gress ? How, by the individual states ? What other cause of difficulty was there ? Who 
was appointed minister to the court of St. James ? How was Adams received by the 
king ? What did he try to obtain ? With what success ? What kept the productions 



306 FORMATION OF THE CONSTITUTION. [l786 

America kept them comparatively out of market, to the great 
injury of its merchants and farmers. 

417. Various causes combined to render the condition of 
the Americans distressing in the extreme. They had hoped 
for an immediate immigration from Europe, and a propor- 
tionate increase in the value of their lands ; but in this they 
were disappointed. All kinds of business were in a state of 
depression, and the energies as well as the resources of the 
country seemed exhausted. In the midst of these embarrass- 
ments, the people were loaded with heavy taxes for the sup- 
port of government. Open threats of rebellion were the 
consequence ; and in Massachusetts, 1,500 men took up anns. 
In December, 1786, while the Supreme Court was in session 
at Springfield, Daniel Shays, who had been a captain in the 
Revolution, took command of the insurgents, seized on the 
court-house, and compelled the judges to reth'e. Gov. Bow- 
doin [bo^-den] called out the militia, and intrusted their com- 
mand to Gen. Lincoln. By a vigorous course the rebellion 
was suppressed. Fourteen of the ringleaders were taken 
and condemned to death, but afterwards pardoned. Quiet 
was thus restored, but all true friends of their country were 
filled with gloomy apprehensions. The need of a stronger 
government was now more than ever apparent. 

418. Even before these dangerous movements, the defects 
of the " articles of confederation" had been generally felt. 
In January, 1786, the legislature of Virginia had proposed a 
convention of delegates from the several states to regulate 
the commercial relations of the country. In the following 
September, delegates from five states met at Annapolis ; but, 
feeling that in so important a work every state should be 
represented, they adjourned after recommending Congress 
to call a general convention. Their suggestion was acted 
on, and representatives fi*om every state except Rhode Isl- 
and assembled at the state-house in Philadelphia, in May, 

of America out of the English market? 417. Descrihe the state of affairs in America, 
What provoked serious discontent in the people? How was this feeling manifested in 
Massachusetts? Give an account of Shay's rehellion. 418. What had been felt with 
respect to the articles of confederation ? What recommendation was made by the legis- 
lature of Virginia ? Give an account of the convention held in September. 17S6. What 



1787] HAMILTON PLEADS FOR THE CONSTITTJTION. 307 




THK OLD STATE-HOUSE (INDEPENDENCE IIALL) AT PHILADELPHIA. 

1787. George Washington was elected president, and the 
members generally were men of distinguished ability and 
patriotism. This body remained in session with closed doors 
nearly three months, and produced that glorious Constitu- 
tion, which was the origin of our prosperity, and is still our 
pride as a nation. 

419. No sooner was the constitution presented to the peo- 
ple than it was severely criticized, and in some quarters op- 
posed. It was impossible to suit all: here one point was 
denounced, and there another. Every objection, however, 
was ably answered by Madison, Jay, and Hamilton, who 
maintained that local interests should give way to the great- 
est good of the greatest number. Their arguments pre- 
vailed. Within a year the instrument was ratified by a ma- 
jority of the states. In New York it met with little favor, 
Alexander Hamilton being almost its only advocate in the 
convention with which its adoption or rejection rested. But 
Hamilton was a host, and he threw himself into the cause 
with all his powers. Just before the vote was to be taken, 
he rose, and in a speech of three hours pleaded most forcibly 

took place in May, 1787? Who was chosen president of the convent-ion? What was 
the character of its members ? How long did it remain in session ? What was the 
result of its labors? 419. How was the constitution received? By whom were the 
objections brought against it answered ? How was it received by a ma.iority of the 
states ? How, in New York ? Give an account of Hamilton's efforts in its behal£ 



308 FORMATION OF THE CONSTITUTION. [l788 

for its adoption. His opponents objected to the question's 
being put immediately after such a speech. The House ad- 
journed till the following day ; but that burning eloquence 
was not forgotten, and New York pronounced in favor of 
the constitution, July 26, 1788. North Carolina and Rhode 
Island remained for a time undecided, but they also finally 
accepted it. 

420. The constitution thus originally adopted has received 
some few additions and amendments. Its chief points should 
be famiUar to every student of his country's history. They 
are as follows : — 

The legislative power of the government is vested in 
a Congress consisting of two houses, known as the Senate 
and the House of Representatives. The senate is composed 
of two members from each state, elected by the respective 
legislatures for a term of six years. Vacancies occasioned 
by death or resignation during the recess of the legislature 
of any state, are temporarily filled by the governor till the 
legislature reassembles. The terms are so arranged that 
but one-third of them expire at the same time, so that two- 
thirds of the body are always experienced members. No 
person can be a senator that has not attained the age of 
thirty, and been nine years a citizen of the United States. 
The vice-president of the United States is president of the 
senate, but has only a casting vote. All impeachments are 
tried before this body. 

The house of representatives is composed of members 
chosen by the people every second year. Each state has a 
certain number proportioned to its population ; the territories 
have one delegate each. A representative must have attain- 
ed the age of twenty-five, and been seven years a citizen of 
the United States. When a vacancy occurs, a new election 
by the people takes place on the governor's call. The house 
chooses its own Speaker, and has the sole power of finding 

420. In whom is the legislative power vested by the constitution ? Of whom is the 
senate composed ? How are vacancies in the senate filled ? How are the terms ar- 
ranged? What is the requisite age for a senator? Who is president of the senate? 
In what case has he a vote? What are tried before the senate? Of whom does the 
house of representatives consist ? What are the requisites for filling this oflSce ? How 



1788] POWERS OF CONGRESS. 309 

impeachments. [The term speaker is borrowed from the 
English House of Commons ; and the presiding officer is so 
called because it is through him that the house speaks^ or 
communicates with the other branches of the legislature.] 

Congress meets every year at the national capital on the 
first Monday in December. The members are paid from the 
pubUc treasury [|3,000 a year], and are privileged from 
arrest for all offences except treason, felony, and breach of 
the peace, while attending a session of their respective houses, 
or on their way to or from such a session. No person can 
at the same time be a member of either House and hold 
office under the United States. Congress has power to col- 
lect taxes and duties ; to borrow money on the credit of the 
United States ; to regulate foreign commercial relations ; to 
establish laws respecting naturalization and bankruptcy ; to 
coin money and provide a punishment for counterfeiting ; to 
fix the standard of weights and measures ; to establish post- 
oflices ; to grant authors and inventors exclusive privileges 
by copyrights and patents ; to declare war ; to raise armies 
and maintain a navy ; to provide for organizing the militia ; 
to make laws for the District of Columbia, or any other tract 
that may become the seat of government ; &c., &c. Bills 
for appropriating money must originate in the house of rep- 
resentatives, but may be amended or rejected by the senate. 
A bill passed by a concurrent vote of the two houses of Con- 
gress, before it can become a law, must be signed by the 
president of the United States ; if he vetoes it (that is, re- 
turns it unsigned with his objections), it is null and void un- 
less passed by two-thirds of both houses. 

The executive power of the government is vested in a 
President, who holds his office for four years, and who, with 
the Vice-President, is thus elected. The people of each state 
[in South Carolina, the legislature] choose as many Electors 

arc vacancies filled? What power is confined to this house? Whence is the term 
speaker derived ? Why is the presiding ofiacer so called ? How often does Congress 
meet? When? How are the members paid ? What privilege do they enjoy ? What 
is forbidden to the members of both houses? Mention the powers vested in Congress. 
Where must bills appropriating money originate ? What power has the senate over 
them ? What is necessary before a bill can become a law ? In whom is the executive 



310 PKOVISIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION. [l7«8 

as they have senators and representatives in Congress. These 
electors meet in their respective states, and ballot for a 
president and vice-president. A record of the votes is made 
and transmitted sealed to the seat of government ; where 
they are opened in the presence of the senate and the house 
of representatives. The person who has a majority of the 
electoral votes becomes president. If there is no majority, 
the election goes to the house of representatives ; in that 
case, the members from each state cast one vote, and a ma- 
jority of the states elects. The president of the United 
States must be a native citizen and thirty-five years of age, 
and must have resided in the country for at least fourteen 
years. 

In case of the president's death, resignation, removal from 
office, or inability to discharge its duties, the vice-president 
takes his place ; and, in case of the vice-president's disabil- 
ity, the president of the senate pro tempore officiates as pres- 
ident. The president is commander-in-chief of the army and 
navy, and with the consent of the senate makes treaties, and 
appoints ministers, consuls, judges of the supreme court, and 
other officers. [The salary of the president is $25,000 a year; 
that of the vice-president, $6,000.] 

The judiciai. power of the United States is vested in 
" one supreme court, and in such inferior courts as Congress 
may from time to time order and estabhsh". The judges 
of the Supreme Court hold office during good behavior. 
Their jurisdiction extends to all cases arising under the laws 
and treaties of the United States ; to controversies in w^hich 
different states, ambassadors, ministers, or consuls, are con- 
cerned, &Q,. 

Due provision is made for the amendment of the consti- 
tution, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall deem it 
necessary. 

power vested ? Describe the manner in which the president and vice-president are 
chosen. If there is no majority, how is the president elected ? What are the requi- 
sites for malcinga person eligible to the presidency? In case of the president's death 
or disability, who takes his place ? What is done in case of the vice-president's disabil- 
ity? What are the salaries of these oflQcers? What powers are vested in the presi- 
dent? In whom is the judicial power vested ? How long do the judges hold office? 



1788] THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 311 

421. About the time of the framing of the constitution, 
Congress, having obtained from several of the states a ces- 
sion of large tracts in the west, included in their charters 
but still unsettled, organized the region bounded by the 
Ohio, the Mississippi, the great lakes, and Pennsylvania, into 
" the Northwest Territory". 

To what does their jurisdiction extend? When may the constitution be amended? 
421. What was done by Congress in 1787? 



PAET IV. 
CONSTITUTIONAL PERIOD, 

FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF A GOVERNMENT UNDER 

THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION, A. D. 1789, 

TO THE PRESENT TIME. 



CHAPTER I. 

WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION, 1789-1797. 

422. On the 14th of April, 1789, Washington received an 
official announcement that he had been unanimously elected 
president of the United States under the new constitution. 
Two days afterwards he bade adieu • to Mount Vernon 
and set out for New York, where Congress was in session. 
Official receptions, addresses, and triumphal arches awaited 
him everywhere on the route. On reaching the city, he 
was received by Gov. Clinton and conducted Tvdth military 
honors, in the midst of a vast concourse, to a residence which 
was placed at his disposal. On the 30th of April, he was 
inaugurated, at Federal Hall, on the site of the present Cus- 
tom House. The oath of office was administered by Chan- 
cellor Livingston, on the balcony in front of the Hall, in the 
presence of a great multitude. Immediately after the cere- 
mony, Washington proceeded to the senate-chamber, and 
delivered an address replete with exalted sentiments. 

423. John Adams had been elected vice-president ; and 
both houses, having organized a few weeks before the inau- 

422. Who was elected first president under the new constitution ? When did Wash- 
ington receive the announcement? When did he start from Mount Vernon ? What is 
said of his journey and his reception in New York ? When and where did his inaugu- 
ration take place? Describe the scene. What was done by Washington after the cere- 



1789] DIFFICULTIES OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT. 313 




guration, proceeded to busi- 
ness. They found many dif- 
ficulties to contend with. A 
strong party was opposed to the consti- 
tution and the new government formed 
under it. The Spanish authorities had 
prohibited Americans from navigating 
the Mississippi. The people of the west 
naturally looked to this river as their 
only means of reaching a market ; and, that they might not 
lose the advantages it offered, some of the frontier settlers 
proj^osed to separate from the republic and unite with the 
Spanish territory of which New Orleans was the metropolis. 
The hostility of the Indians, who had not as yet laid aside 
the tomahawk, was a fruitful source of anxiety. These were 

mony? 423. Who had been elected vice-president? Enumerate the difficulties by 
which the new government was embarrassed. To what means did Congress resort for 

14 



314 Washington's administration. [i7S9 

a few of the subjects that required the immediate attention 
of government, added to which was the ever-pressing want 
of money. After long dehberation, Congress determined to 
raise a revenue by laymg duties on the tonnage of vessels 
and all imported articles. 

424. One of the first acts of Congress was to create three 
departments, the heads of which were known as the Secre- 
tary of Foreign Affairs (afterwards Secretary of State), the 
Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of War. These, 
together with the Attorney-General, were to act as advisers 
of the president, constituting what was called his Cabinet. 
Two new departments have since been created (the Navy 
and the Interior), the heads of which, with the Postmaster 
General, have seats in the cabinet. The secretaryship of state 
is the highest cabinet office ; this Washington bestowed on 
Thomas Jefferson, who had been governor of Virginia for 
two years, and had represented his country at the French 
court from 1784 to 1789. Alexander Hamilton was made 
secretary of the treasury. Gen. Knox, who had been at the 
head of the artillery department throughout the revolution, 
was appointed secretary of war, and Edmund Randolph, of 
Virginia, attorney-general. 

425. Having directed the secretary of the treasury to pre- 
sent at the next session some plan for restoring the national 
credit. Congress adjourned on the 29th of September. North 
CaroUna accepted the constitution in November. 

426. The president was at first overrun with visitors, who 
made serious inroads on his time. He soon found it neces- 
sary to appoint a fixed hour for their reception, and confine 
himself at other times to his official duties. Not^^dthstanding 
this precaution, he was compelled to labor incessantly, and 
during the first year of his presidency was twice prostrated 
by excessive toil. Soon after the adjournment of Congress, 

raising a revenue? 424. What three executive departments were created by Congress? 
What did their heads, with the Attorney-General, constitute ? Wliat departments have 
since been created ? Which is the highest cabinet ofBce ? On whom was it bestowed ? 
Name the other members of Washington's cabinet. 425. Wlien did Congress adjourn ? 
What did it do before adjourning? Wlien did North Carolina accept the constitution? 
426. How did Washington prevent his time from being consumed by visitors? What is 



1789] Hamilton's financial measures. 315 

he set out on a visit to New England, and was received by 
the people with every mark of affection. On his return to 
New York he learned that Gen. Lincoln, who had been sent 
to treat with the Creeks of Georgia, had failed in his at- 
tempts. The Creek chief^ at the head of 2,000 warriors, had 
met the American commissioner; but suddenly broke of! 
negotiations and refused to sign a treaty. About a year 
afterwards, the attempt was repeated with success. 

427. Congress had imposed upon Hamilton a difficult task. 
Amid financial embarrassments of every kind, it was required 
of him to provide a revenue for the government and to revive 
its credit. But his genius was equal to the Avork. He took 
the true ground, that, to maintain its credit, the country must 
pay its honest debts. This principle fortunately prevailed in 
Congress, and provision was made for the gradual payment 
of $54,000,000. From this time confidence was entertained 
in the integrity of the government, and with confidence pros- 
perity returned. Too much credit cannot be given to the 
far-seeing policy of Hamilton. In the eloquent language of 
Webster, " He smote the rock of the national resources and 
abundant streams of revenue burst forth. He touched the 
dead corpse of public credit and it sprang upon its feet." 

428. In May, 1790, Rhode Island adopted the constitution, 
and the confederacy then embraced all of the thirteen origi- 
nal colonies. 

429. The insecurity of the settlers on the western frontier 
early engaged the attention of Congress. Emigrants from 
the Atlantic states had already penetrated to various points 
in the valleys of the Ohio and the Mississippi. In 1769, 
Daniel Boone, a bold hunter of North Carolina with five 
enterprising men hke himself, explored the wilds of what is 
now called Kentucky. Boone afterwards returned and led 
a larger party to the fruitful region where he had determined 

said of the labor required of him ? How was he received on his visit to New England ? 
Give an account of the attempts of the United States to negotiate with the Creek?. 
427. What is said of the task required of Hamilton ? What ground did lie take ? What 
measure of Congress secured the confidence of the country ? What does Webster say of 
Hamilton ? 428. In May, 1790, what took place? 429. What early engaged the atten 
lion of Congress ? Give an account of early explorations and settlements in Kentucky. 



316 Washington's administration. [itso 

to spend the remainder of his life. Hunting and trapping in 
luxuriant forests, li\ing on what their rifles afibrded, sleeping 
in cane-brakes, fighting and flying from the Indians by turns, 
now captured and anon escapmg, this little band, increased 
from time to time by new-comers, underwent a variety of 
adventures that seem more like the fictions of romance than 
the truths of history. The natives, ever averse to encroach- 
ments on their domains, maintained a perpetual warfare, 
which required untiring vigilance on the part of the whites. 
The great chief Pontiac had fallen ; but Little Turtle, a fa- 
mous Miami warrior, was ever ready when a blow was to be 
struck at the hated pale-face. 

430. When Great Britain gave up the war in 1783, the 
western tribes under Little Turtle resolved to continue it. 
A party of unprincipled men had shortly before murdered 
some Indians who had been converted by Moravian mission- 
aries and had taken no part in the war. Thii'sting for ven- 
geance, the Ohio tribes carried devastation far and wide, 
putting to death their prisoners mth cruel tortures. The 
whites, though they had now become more numerous and 
powerful, were hardly strong enough to rej^el the fierce Al- 
gonquins. In August, 1782, a party of savages appeared be- 
fore Bryan Station, five miles fi'om Lexington, Kentucky, and 
tried to draw the garrison out from their log defences. Fail- 
ing in this, they pretended to depart ; but the old hunters, 
skilled in all the artifices of Indian warfare, felt sure that they 
were lying in ambush near the fort. At this critical time 
their water gave out, and it was necessary to obtain a fresh 
supply. The spring was a short distance ofi", near a thicket 
of trees and bushes in which it was supposed the savages 
were concealed. If the men went out, it was almost certain 
they would be shot down and a rush made for the fort ; but 
it was thought, if the women went to the spring, the enemy 
would refrain from firing and wait for a more favorable op- 
portunity. The heroic women of the fort undertook the per- 

Wliat is said of the adventures of Boone and his comrades? How did the natives feel 
towards them ? What chief was ever ready to strike a blow at the whites ? 480. What 
did the western tribes do in 1783 ? What provocation had they shortly before received ? 



1789] 



SETTLEMENTS IN OHIO. 



317 



?^-#^^ 




HEROISM OF THE WOMEN OF BRYAN STATION, KY. 

ilous task. Going carelessly to the spring, as if they suspected 
nothing, they filled their vessels and bore them back to the 
fort. Five hundred rifles were aimed at them while they 
were dipping up the water, but not one was fired. The 
shrewd pioneers of the wilderness had judged Indian char- 
acter aright. The next day the surrender of the fort was 
demanded ; but a spirited refusal was returned, and no fur- 
ther attempts were made on its brave defenders. 

431. Congress having purchased of the Indians a large 
tract north of the Ohio, a new impetus was given to emi- 
gration. In 1788, a party of New Englanders commenced 
the first permanent settlement in Ohio at Marietta. In the 
same year, Matthias Denman bought the land on which the 
city of Cincinnati stands. With the aid of a school-master 
he laid out a town there, the first log hut being built in 
December, 1789, on what is now the corner of Main and 
Front streets. 

How was this injury avenged ? Tell what happened at Bryan Station. 431. What gave 
anew impetus to emigration? Give an account of the first permanent settlement in 
Ohio. What was the origin of Cincinnati ? What occasioned great anxiety to Wash- 



318 Washington's administration. [1790 

The exposed condition of these important settlements in 
the Ohio valley, as well as the intrigues of the Spaniards, 
who were trying to detach the West from the Union, was a 
source of great anxiety to both Washington and Congress. 
Gen. St. Clair, a Revolutionary officer of high character, was 
appointed first governor of the Territory ; and a fort (named 
after Washington) was erected within the present limits of 
Cincinnati, on a spot where the aboriginal mound-builders 
had constructed one of their vast works. In purchasing the 
tract referred to, great care had been taken to get the sanc- 
tion of all the tribes supposed to have an interest in it ; but 
others who had not signed the treaty afterwards claimed to 
be part owners of the land, and assumed so threatening a 
tone that Congress had no alternative but war. In the fall 
of 1V90, 1,400 men, ill disciplined and poorly equipped, were 
sent under Gen. Harmer against the Miami villages, on the 
present site of Fort Wayne, Ind. They reached then* desti- 
nation in safety, and the fields of the Miamis were devastated. 
Harmer then divided his army into detachments, for the pur- 
suit of the scattered Indians. One of these was soon defeated 
by Captain Wells, a Kentuckian, who had been carried off by 
the savages when a boy and was now one of their chiefs ; 
another was led into an ambuscade by Little Turtle, and cut 
to pieces. The remains of the unfortunate army with diffi- 
culty made their way back to Fort Washington. 

432. The news of Harmer's reverses produced general dis- 
satisfaction ; and the president hastened to send a more effi- 
cient army into the wilderness. Gen. St. Clair was selected 
as its leader. Advancing gradually into the enemy's coun- 
try, he found himself on the 3d of November, 1791, encamped 
with 1,400 men near a branch of the Wabash at a place after- 
wards called Fort Recovery. The Indians were in strong 
force near at hand, and that very night held a council to de- 
cide upon their course. Their leading spu'it was Little Turtle, 



ington and Congress ? Who -was appointed first governor of the North West Territory? 
What fort was erected ? What claims were soon raised ? What was Congress compelled 
to do ? Give an account of Harmer's expedition. 432. What was the consequence of 
Harmer's reverses ? Who was selected as his successor ? Where did St Clair find him- 



i79i] ST. clair's defeat. 319 

an impassioned orator, a fearless warrior, six feet in height, 
of muscular frame, dignified manners, stern features, and for- 
bidding expression. He was at this time forty-five years old, 
and dressed in the most imposing style of Indian display, at 
least twenty ounces of silver ornaments hanging from his 
nose and ears. In the dusky circle roimd the council-fire, 
this wily savage presented a weU-digested plan for surprising 
the American army, and with fiery eloquence persuaded his 
brother chieftains to adopt it. 

Three hours before daylight on the 4th of November the 
American army was paraded under arms, and about sunrise 
it was dismissed to make preparations for an immediate march 
against the Indian villages. Wliile the men were thus en- 
gaged, a single rifle was heard m front, and the next moment 
a deadly fire was poured in on all sides. The militia, who 
were posted in front, rushed through the ranks of the regu- 
lars ; but the latter kept their ground and returned as well 
as they could, yet with little effect, the fire of their unseen 
enemies. St. Clair, though enfeebled by disease, made every 
effort to save his men. Borne hither and thither on his lit- 
ter, wherever the contest raged most fiercely, he gave his 
orders with coolness and judgment, and directed vigorous 
charges to be made at different points. For a moment, suc- 
cess followed these efforts ; but the whoop of the fearless 
chief would be heard, echoed by a thousand voices, and the 
Red Men would press on more fiercely than before. Terri- 
ble havoc was made, and it became evident that a timely 
retreat alone could save the army from total destruction. 
An impetuous charge was made by Col. Darke, with such 
spirit that the Indians were obliged to fall back, and through 
the open space thus gained the sad remnant of the devoted 
army rushed in a hasty retreat. Gen. St. Clair was assisted 
to mount one of the few remaining horses, and followed his 
flying regiments. The news of this disastrous overthrow 



self, November 3d, 1791 ? What was done by the Indiansitbat same night? Give an 
account of their council. Describe Little Turtle. What decision was arrived at? 
What was the state of things in the American camp the next morning? What was 
suddenly heard ? How did the militia behave ? Give an account of the battle. How 



320 Washington's administration. [iroi 

appalled the whole nation, and called forth again loud clam- 
ors from those who opposed the government. A third ex- 
pedition became necessary ; and, determined that it should 
have a capable leader, AYashington gave the command to 
Gen. Wayne, the "mad Anthony" of the Revolution. 

433. Meantime Congress was still occupied with financial 
matters. The business community labored under discour- 
aging embarrassments, for which a uniform currency, enjoy- 
ing the confidence of the j^eople, seemed to promise the only 
remedy. To create this, Hamilton projected a national bank, 
which was chartered by Congress in March, 1791, under the 
name of the Bank of the United States. It was located at 
Philadelphia, which had become the seat of government, had 
a capital of $10,000,000, and was empowered to issue bills, 
discount notes, and receive deposits. The beneficial effects 
of this institution on all kinds of business were immediately 
felt. 

434. As we have seen, a strong party had from the out- 
set opposed the constitution. Their chief argument against 
it was that it gave too much power to the general govern- 
ment, and limited that of the individual states. This party, 
which embraced Jefferson and other distinguished patriots, 
soon became known as " Republicans", " Democrats", or 
" States' Rights Men", in opposition to the " Federalists", 
as those were called who approved of a strong central gov- 
ernment. Hamilton was one of the strongest federalist lead- 
ers, and his measures, particularly those relating to the bank 
and the collection of the revenue, were severely denounced 
by his oj^ponents. The duty, or excise, laid on domestic 
spirits was peculiarly unpopular in Western Pennsylvania ; 
and public meetings were held, at which such officers as 

was a retreat made good ? What is said of Gen. St. Clair ? What folloMed this' over- 
throw? What was resolved on ? Who was intrusted with the command of the third 
expedition ? 433. What still occupied the attention of Congress? What seemed to be 
the only remedy ? What was projected by Hamilton ? When was the Bank of the 
United States chartered ? Where was it located ? What was its capital ? What was it 
empowered to do ? What Were its effects ? 434 What objection was urged against the 
constitution ? What two parties were formed ? What distinguished man was a repub- 
lican ? Who was a strong federalist leader ? What measures of Hamilton were de- 
nounced ? What measure in particular was opposed ? Where ? What steps were ta- 



1793] THE YELLOW FEVER BREAKS OUT. 321 

should attempt to collect it were threatened mth violence. 
Notwithstanding the warmth of party feeling, however, 
Washington, whose first term expired March 4th, 1793, was 
unanimously reelected. Adams was also rechosen to the 
vice-presidency. Meanwhile, New York having surrendered 
her claims in consideration of $30,000, Vermont was received 
into the Union in 1791 ; and the following year Kentucky 
became a member of the confederacy. 

435. In August, 1793, the American people were visited 
by a calamity to which up to this time they had been stran- 
gers. The yellow fever broke out in Philadelphia with such 
virulence that in three months out of a population of 60,000 
no less than 4,000 perished. The terror of the people was 
miprecedented, and all who could deserted the city. Among 
those who remamed to minister to the sick, was Dr. Benja- 
min Rush, whose treatment of the disease was eminently 
successful. This illustrious man was a native of Pennsylva- 
nia, and a graduate of Edinburgh University, whence he 
returned to practise in Philadeli^hia. A signer of the Decla- 
ration of Independence and a medical writer whose works 
are still studied with profit. Dr. Rush was distinguished alike 
as a patriot and a man of letters. He died in 1813, at the 
age of 72. 

436. Hardly had the country recovered from the alarm 
created by the pestilence, when a renewal of difficulties in 
Western Pennsylvania produced fresh consternation. The 
people, there, had been encouraged to open insurrection 
by the course of Mr. Ge-net', the agent of the revolution- 
ary party in France, whose arrival in America had been 
the signal for the organization of democratic societies hostile 
to government, on the plan of the Jacobin clubs of Paris. 
It was agreed among the disaffected that no tax should be 
paid on whiskey. The U. S. Marshal was fired upon, the 

ken ? Who were the successful candidates at the second election under the constitution ? 
What new states were admitted into the Union? When? 435. What calamity visited 
the American people in August, 1793? Where did the yellow fever break out? Give 
an account of its ravages. Who treated the disease with success ? What is said of Dr, 
Rush? 436. By what troubles was the yellow fever followed ? What had encouraged 
tiie people of Western Pennsylvania to open insurrection ? What did they do to the 

14* 



322 Washington's administration. [1794 

Inspector fled, and his guard was forced to surrender to a 
company of insurgents. The " whiskey rebelhon" having 
assumed this dangerous aspect, Washington issued a requi- 
sition for a force sufficient to suppress it. Gen, Henry Lee, 
then governor of Virginia, was placed in command, and 
Hamilton accompanied the army. On reaching the seat of 
the rebellion [October, 1794], it was found that the insur- 
gents had dispersed. Gen. Morgan, with a considerable 
force, was left west of the mountains during the winter, and 
no further trouble from this cause was experienced. 

437. Meantime Gen. Wayne was cautiously advancing, 
with over three thousand men, on his expedition against the 
western Indians. On the 13th of August, 1794, having 
reached the neighborhood of the Maumee Rapids, where the 
enemy had assembled, he dispatched a messenger to their 
camp with propositions of peace. Ten days were asked for 
consideration; but Wayne still advanced, and on the 19th 
the hostile tribes met in council. Elated by their former 
success, most of the chiefs fiercely pronounced for war. Lit- 
tle Turtle alone dissented. Twice, he said, they had defeated 
the Americans ; they could not always expect the same good 
fortune. The i^ale-faces were now led by a chief who never 
slept, and something told him that they should listen to his 
offers of peace. The counsels of the wise Miami were disre- 
garded. War was decided upon, and Blue Jacket, a Shaw- 
nee warrior, was elected commander-in-chief 

At a late hour that night two of Wayne's soldiers entered 
the Red Men's camp, to discover their decision. The w^ar- 
riors slept ; and the two spies stealthily advanced over their 
prostrate bodies until they found an Indian girl awake. Pre- 
senting their arms, they compelled her to follow^, and, on 
reaching a safe distance from the camp, obtained from her 
the desired information. Never w^as a daring deed more 
gallantly or successfully performed. 

United States authorities? Give an account of the suppression of "the whiskey rebel- 
lion". 437. What was Wayne doing meanwhile ? What took place, August 16th, 1794 ? 
What did the Indians do on the 19th ? State what passed in the Indian council. 
Whom did the Indians choose as their leader? Relate the heroic achievement of two 



1794] 



WAYNE'S INDIAN EXPEDITION. 




WAYNKS fcCDlT.- i: 



INDIAN CAMl'. 



The following morning, Wayne marched without delay 
towards the Indian town. He was received with a warm 
fire ; but an intrepid charge drove the Indians from their 
cover, and put them completely to rout. The pursuit was 
continued for several miles, and over two hundred of the 
enemy were slain. All the Indian villages for a distance of 
fifty miles were destroyed, and one of the most beautiful 
valleys of the West was reduced to desolation. So hum- 
bled w^ere the Red Men of the North West Territory by this 
defeat, that they expressed a general desire for peace. Wayne 
invited them to a coimcil in July, 1795, and ofiered to make 
a treaty with them on condition that they would surrender 
all the land east of a line drawn from Fort Recovery to the 
mouth of the Kentucky River, embracing almost the whole of 
what is now Ohio and part of Indiana. Some of the chiefs 
objected to giving up so large a tract. An express was sent 



of Wayne's scouts. What did Wayne do the following morning? How was he re- 
ceived ? Give an account of the battle that followed. [See Map, p. Mb. — Where did 
Wayne's battle take place? Into what does the Maumee empty?] How were the In- 
dians punished ? What desire did they express the following year ? On what condition 



824 Washington's administration. [1795 

to consult the government on tKe subject, and instructions 
were returned to Gen. Wayne not to insist on the line he 
had proposed, but to accept that offered by the Indians. 
Before these orders arrived, however, he had extorted from 
some of the chiefs a reluctant assent to his terms, and, throw- 
ing the instructions just received upon the table, he declared 
that the treaty should be signed as it then stood. He car- 
ried his point. The treaty was signed, and the contest of 
years was ended. 

" Mad Anthony WajTie" was long remembered by the 
Indians of the West. He is said to have told them, that, 
if ever they violated their treaty, he would rise from his 
grave to fight them. Whether this threat kept them faith- 
ful to their agreement or not, it is certain that for years the 
frontier enjoyed a security which it had never before known. 
Having thus creditably performed his task, Wayne embarked 
on Lake Erie, on his way to Philadelphia. While the blasts 
of December [1796] were tossing his vessel on the boisterous 
waves, his spirit took its flight from earth. The hero was 
buried at Presq' He, now Erie. 

488. The Indian War having been brought to a successful 
close, the republicans next seized on the foreign policy of 
Washington as a subject for the most violent condemnation. 
On the breaking out of the French Revolution, it was thought 
in this country that the people were honestly struggling for 
liberty ; and many, gratefully remembering the aid extended 
to America in her hour of need, proposed engaging actively 
on the side of France in the wars that followed. Washing- 
ton immediately issued a proclamation to the effect that strict 
neutrality must be maintained. Genet, the French minister, 
finding the government firm, threatened to appeal to the 
people. This Washington regarded as an msult to the na- 
tion, and at his request the obnoxious minister was recalled. 

did Wayne propose peace? How was this offer met by the Indians? What instruc- 
tions were received from the government ? How were they treated by Wayne? What 
did Wayne tell the Indians ? What was the state of the frontier after his victory ? 
What became of Wayne? Where was he buried? 4-38. Of what did the democrats 
next complain ? What had been the feelings of many in America on the breaking out 
of the French Kevolution? What course was pursued by Washington ? What threat 



1795] HE RETIRES TO PRIVATE LIFE. 325 

A storm of abuse from the opposite party followed. The 
president was mijustly accused of a criminal regard for Brit- 
ish interests, and even of drawing money from the treasury 
without due authority. 

When the news arrived that John Jay, after long negotia- 
tions, had concluded a treaty with the English government, 
which provided for the surrender of the posts in the west, 
and established more friendly relations between the two coun- 
tries, the excitement was increased. Mr. Jay was burned 
in effigy, a copy of the treaty was consigned to the flames 
before his house in ISTew York by a large concourse, and 
Hamilton who attempted to address them, was driven from 
the ground with stones. The republicans had a majority in 
the house of representatives ; and the violent language used 
by their leaders before that body convulsed the whole coun- 
try. The people at last became alarmed for the consequences, 
and the opposition gradually became less violent. Washing- 
ton, though urged to serve for a third term, declined a re- 
election. In 1797, he withdrew to private life, having pre- 
viously in a Farewell Address laid before the nation his \dews 
respecting their true policy. This parting advice has ever 
been regarded by the people of the United States as one of 
the most valuable treasures left them by the father of his 
country. 

439. In 1796, a third new state, Tennessee, was admitted 
into the confederacy. It was origmally a part of North 
Carolina, and its pioneer settlers had gone through their 
share of trial and suffering. In 1790, North Carohna relin- 
quished its claim to the country, and it had been organized 
by Congress as " the Territory southwest of the Ohio". In 
1795, Tennessee had a population of 77,000. 

was made by Genet? What followed? What tone was assumed by the republican 
leaders? What unjust charges did they bring against Washington ? What news was soon 
received ? How did the anti-federalists express their disa4>probation ? What party had 
a majority in the lower house of Congress ? What course was pursued by their lead- 
ers? What was done by Washington in 1797? 4:39. When was Tennessee admitted? 
What is said of its previous history ? What was the population of Tennessee in 1795 ? 



326 JOHN ADAMs' ADMINISTRATION. [l797 



CHAPTER II. 

JOHN ADAMS' ADMINISTKATION, 1 7 9 7-1 801. 

440. John Adams, of 
Massachusetts, was cho- 
sen as Washington's suc- 
cessor, and Thomas Jef- 
ferson was at the same 
tune elected vice-presi- 
dent. The formeT was 
regarded as the head of 
the federal party, which, 
though still in the ma- 
jority, was fast losing 
ground before the re- 
pubhcans, of whom Jef- 
ferson was the acknowl-, 
edged leader. j 

441. Early m Adams' johv adams 
administration, difficulties with France assumed a serious 
aspect. The American minister was not only refused an 
audience by the French Directory, but ordered out of their 
territory. At the same time the U. S. flag was insulted on 
the ocean, a number of vessels being captured by French 
cruisers. These outrages silenced even the warmest advo- 
cates of French interests, and preparations were made for 
war. An army was organized, and, in compliance with the 
general voice of the nation, Washington was appointed com- 
mander-in-chief 

The honor of America was gallantly vindicated on the 
ocean by Captain Truxton and a few brave seamen. Trux- 
ton had taken many prizes from the British during the Rev- 



440. At the next eiectlon, who were made president and vice-president ? What were 
their politics? 441. What difficulties arose early in Adams* administration? What 
preparations were made by the U. S. ? Who was appointed commander-in-chief? By 
whom was the honor of America vindicated on the ocean ? What is said of Trnxton's 




1T99] DEATH OF WASHINGTON. 327 

olution, and Avas now one of the six captains of the infant 
navy of the United States, In February, 1799, while cruis- 
ing in the frigate Constellation, he fell in with the French 
vessel L'Insurgente [lang-soo7'-zho7if], which surrendered 
after a siDirited action. The next year, he encountered an- 
other French frigate, La Vengeance \lah-vong-zho')is'\ Af- 
ter an action of five hours the enemy was silenced ; but a 
gale separated the combatants, and the French vessel escaped. 
She afterwards entered port in a shattered condition, with 
160 men killed or wounded. 

442. Gen. Washington did not hve to see peace restored. 
Exposure to a slight rain brought on inflammation and fever, 
which proved fatal on the 14th of December, 1799. When 
he found that death was approaching, he said to his physi- 
cian, " I am dying — but I am not afraid to die." Calmly 
the good and great man met his end. The death of Wash- 
ington was regarded as a national bereavement. Due hon- 
ors were paid to his memory in Congress. Party spirit was 
for a time forgotten, and the whole country mourned its 
illustrious father. 

443. Alarmed at the bold appeals of the partisans of France 
and their violent denunciations of the government, the fed- 
erahsts succeeded in passing through Congress two bills, 
known as the Alien and the Sedition Law. The former au- 
thorized the president to require all aliens, or foreigners, 
whom he considered dangerous to the peace of the coimtry, 
to depart within such a time as he should specify. The latter 
forbade, under certain penalties, conspiracies against govern- 
ment, and all publications designed to bring it into disre- 
pute. The passing of these bills awakened more violent 
opposition than ever. The legislatures of Virginia and Ken- 
tucky declared them unconstitutional and void. Happily 
the conclusion of peace, in 1800, with Napoleon, who had 
become First Consul of France, allayed the excitement, and 



previous history? Give an account of his achievements in 1799 and ISOO. 442. Give 
an account of Gen. Washington's death. How was it regarded? 443. What bills were 
passed through the influence of the federalists? State the substance of the Alien and 
the Sedition Law. What followed their passage ? How did it become unnecessary to 



328 JOHN ADAMs' ADMINISTRATION. [l8U0 

rendered it unnecessary to put the Alien and Sedition Laws 
into execution. 

444. In December, 1800, Congress met for the first time 
at the city of Washington, which has ever since been the 
national caj^ital. It is situated in the District of Columbia, 
a tract originally ten miles square, presented to the general 
government by Maryland and Virginia. The portion given 
by Virginia was afterwards ceded back to that state, so that 
the District is now confined to the Maryland side of the Po- 
tomac. The city was laid out in 1*792 ; and its population 
in 1800 amounted to over 8,000. It lay in the midst of a 
wilderness, described as containing " here and there a small 
cottage, without a glass window, interspersed among the 
forests, through which you travel without seeing any human 
being". 

445. The first census of the United States was taken in 
1*790; another w^as completed in 1800. They show the fol- 
lowing results : — 

Whole Population. Slaves. Post Offices. Exports. 

In 1790, 8,929,328 697,696 75 $20,205,156 

In 1800, 5,309,758 896,849 903 70,971,780 

446. At the close of Adams' term, he was again put in 
nomination by the federalists, in conjunction with Charles 
C. Pinckney, of South Carolina ; the republicans supj^orted 
Thomas Jeiferson, and Aaron Burr, of New York. When 
the electoral votes were counted, it was found that Jefierson 
and Burr were in advance of the other candidates, both hav- 
ing the same number. This threw the election into the house 
of representatives, which gave the presidency to Jefferson 
and made Burr vice-president. 

put them into execution? 444. Where did Congress meet in December, 1800 ? How 
is Wasliington situated ? What was the original size of the District of Columbia ? To 
what is it now confined ? When was Washington laid out? What was its population 
in 1800 ? What was the state of the surrounding country? 445. When was the first 
census of the U. S. taken? Compare the whole population in 1790 with that in 1800. 
The slaves. The post-offices. The exports. 446. Who were the candidates of the two 
parties at the close of Adams' term? On whom did the election devolve ? Who were 
finally chosen ? 



180l] 



JEFFERSON S ADMINISTRATION. 



329 



CHAPTER III. 

JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION, 1801-1809. 



44*7. Jefferson ap- 
pointed James Madi- 
son, of Virginia, his 
secretary of state, and 
continued him in that 
office throughout his 
whole administration. 
In 1802, the eastern 
part of the North West 
Territory was admitted 
mto the Union, under 
the name of Ohio. The 
western portion had 
previously been organ- 
ized into the Territory 
of Indiana. Yincennes 
was its capital, and 




THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



been 



William Henry Harrison (afterwards president) had 
appointed its first governor. 

448. One of the most important acts of Jefierson's admin- 
istration was the purchase of Louisiana. ^N'apoleon had in 
1800 compelled the Spanish government to cede this exten- 
sive tract to France, and had made every preparation for 
estabhshing at the mouth of the Mississippi a strong military 
colony, conveniently situated for encroaching on the neigh- 
boring territories of Great Britain, Spain, and the United 
States, as his ambition might dictate. Notwithstanding the 
protest of the American muiister, 20,000 men under Berna- 
dotte [bare-7ia-dot'] (afterwards king of Sweden) were ready 

447. Whom did Jefferson make secretary of state? When was Ohio admitted ? What 
had been done with tiie western portion of the North West Territory ? What was made 
the capital of Indiana? Wlio was appointed its first governor? 448. What was one of 
the most important acts of Jefferson's administration? To whom had Louisiana been 
transferred ? What did Napoleon at one time contemplate ? What made him alter his 



330 Jefferson's administkation. [isos 

to sail for the new world, when a fresh quarrel with England 
changed the plans of the French emperor. He now resolved 
to concentrate all his forces for an invasion of the British 
Isles, and offered to sell Louisiana to the U. S. The Ameri- 
can ministers, James Monroe and Robert R. Livingston, 
though unauthorized to make so extensive a purchase, took 
the responsibility of closing with Bonaparte's offer. The 
advantages of the arrangement were so obvious that it was 
promptly ratified by the home government. Fifteen millions 
of dollars were paid for this valuable territory, about one- 
fifth of which was allowed as an indemnity for injuries com- 
mitted by the French on the commerce of the United States. 

449. The American government, following the example of 
the maritime powers of Europe, had sought to protect its 
commerce m the Mediterranean from the depredations of 
piratical craft by paying tribute to the Barbary States (as 
the countries on the northern coast of Africa are called). 
When Capt. Bainbridge visited Algiers in 1800, with a na- 
tional frigate, to make the annual payment, the dey, or gov- 
ernor, wishing to send an ambassador to Constantinople, 
demanded the use of his vessel for that purj^ose. To Bain- 
bridge's remonstrances the dey insolently replied, " You pay 
me tribute, by which you become my slaves, and therefore I 
have a right to order you as I think proper." As the guns 
of the fort bore directly upon his vessel, the American captain 
was obliged to submit. He bore the dey's agent to Constan- 
tinople, and was the first to unfurl the banner of his country 
in that harbor. The Turks had never heard of the United 
States; but on learning that their visitors were from the 
new world discovered by Columbus, they treated them with 
marked courtesy. 

Subjected to such annoyances and finding that American 
commerce still suffered, the U. S. government remonstrated 
in such strong terms as to provoke a declaration of war on 

plans ? What did he then propose ? How did the American ministers receive his offer ? 
How was their action liked at home ? How much did Louisiana cost? 449. How had 
the American government sought to protect its commence in the Mediterranean ? What 
passed between Capt. Bainbridge and the dey of Algiers? How did the Turks receive 
their visitors ? What action was taken by the U. S. government ? How did the bjfehaw of 



1803] THE TRIPOLITAN WAR. 331 

the part of Yu'-sef, who had usurped the throne of Tripoli 
[trip'^-o-le]. In October, 1803^ Commodore Preble [jyreb'-bel] 
arrived before Tripoli Avith a naval force ; still the bashaw 
refused to treat. While reconnoitring the harbor, the Phil- 
adelphia, an American vessel, had struck on a rock, and fallen 
a prey to the Tripolitans, who consigned its crew to slavery. 
Lieutenant Decatur undertook to destroy this ship in the 
enemy's harbor. Followed by seventy volunteers, he board- 
ed her, drove the enemy from her deck, and made good his 
retreat in the face of the Tripolitan batteries, without losing 
a single man. 

In August, 1804, the American commodore commenced 
bombarding the city. The fire was continued for five hours, 
during which several gun-boats of the enemy were destroyed 
and their fort received serious injury. Alarmed by this, as 
well as by the news that Eaton, the American consul, was 
approaching overland with an army, in conjunction with the 
rightful bashaw, Yusef at length came to terms, and the 
American flag was for some years treated with respect by 
the Barbary powers. 

450. Hamilton, on leaving the cabinet, had fixed his resi- 
dence at New York, where he devoted himself to the practice 
of law, and obtained the highest eminence in that profession. 
His chief rival, both in law and politics, was Aaron Burr, a 
man of great talents but little principle, whom we have 
already mentioned as having been elected to the vice-presi- 
dency. While still holding that office. Burr ran for governor 
of the state of New York, but was defeated by a large ma- 
jority, 0T\ang in a measure to Hamilton's influence. This, 
added to other causes, led Burr to challenge his illustrious 
rival. Unhappily, the latter accepted, and the duel was 
fought at Weehawken, July 11, 1804. Hamilton fell mor- 
tally wounded (in his forty-eighth year) on the very spot 
where his eldest son had shortly before likewise been killed 

Tripoli retaliate? Who appeared before Tripoli, in October, 1S03? What befell the 
Philadelphia? Eelate a gallant exploit of Decatur's. Give an account of the bombard- 
ment of Tripoli. What brought the bashaw to terms ? 450. Where had Hamilton fixed 
his residence? To what profession did he devote himself? Who was his chief rival ? 
What was Burr's character? For what office did Burr become a candidate ? How was 



332 jkffeeson's administration. [iso* 

in a duel. The death of Hamilton from such a cause pro- 
duced a profound sensation. Men of all j^arties had regarded 
him as the most brilliant ornament of the nation. They had 
felt that "whoever was second, Hamilton must be first". 

451. From this time Burr was loathed by his countrymen. 
George Clinton, of New York, superseded him in the vice- 
presidency, while Jefferson was reelected president by a large 
majority, and entered on his second term March 4, 1805. 
After bidding adieu to the senate in an eloquent valedictory. 
Burr took a tour through the West, visiting the principal 
towns, and everywhere leaving the impression that he con- 
templated some grand scheme not yet to be disclosed. His 
design seems to have been either to wrest Mexico fi-om Spain, 
or to detach the West from the Union and erect it into a 
separate government with himself at its head. In July, 1806, 
in a letter to Gen. Wilkinson, whom he desired to interest in 
his enterprise, he partially unfolded his plans, and announced 
that seven thousand " choice spirits?' were pledged to their 
support. Wilkinson communicated this information to the 
president, and Burr's movements were thenceforth narrowly 
Avatched. 

452. On a beautiful island in the Ohio, near Marietta, an 
Irish exile named Blen-ner-has^-set had erected an elegant 
mansion, Avhich he and his accomplished wife had rendered a 
centre of attraction to people of refinement throughout the 
neighboring country. Burr, who was a man of fascinating 
manners, gained admission to this paradise and induced its 
OAVTier to participate in his schemes. The lovely island soon 
became the chief resort of the conspirators, and Burr re- 
mained there till he had completed his plan of operations. 
After his departure, the authorities of Virginia sent an oflScer 
to arrest Blennerhasset. He w^as received by the high- 
spirited mistress of the island, who, with a pistol in each 

he defeated ? What was the unhappy consequence ? How has Hamilton always been 
regarded ? 451. What was the eflFect of the duel on Burr's reputation ? Who were the 
successful candidates at the nest election ? After taking leave of the senate, what was 
Burr's course ? What designs does he seem to have entertained ? How were his designs 
made known to the president? 452. Who was Blennerhasset? Where did he live 
Give an account of Burr's dealings with him. Give an account of the attempt to arrest 



1807] burr's APPRKHENSION AND ACQUITTAL. 333 

hand, ordered him to depart on pain of instant death. The 
officer deemed it prudent to retire, and Blennerhasset made 
good his escape. He reached Bermuda, and was there known 
as a lawyer as late as 1837. 

453. Meanwhile Burr's operations were so openly carried 
on that the government could no longer hesitate. Instruc- 
tions were issued to suppress the expedition, and early in 
1807 its leader was arrested and taken to Richmond for trial. 
Two indictments were fomid against him, one for treason, 
the other for organizing an expedition against a country with 
which the U. S. was at peace. While awaiting trial. Burr 
was committed to the common jail, where criminals of every 
grade were confined. A blanket was given him for a bed, 
and marking out a space for himself he lay do^\Ti to rest. 
The wretched inmates of the place wondered as they beheld 
a man who had wanted but one vote to make him president 
of the U. S. reduced to their own level — and wondered still 
more to see him sleeping calmly after such a reverse of for- 
tune. His trial excited intense interest. The jury returned 
a verdict of " not guilty", a result to which Mr. Burr's able 
defence and unsurpassed powers of persuasion no doubt con- 
tributed much. Though he escaped the penalty of treason, 
his public career was at an end. He returned to the practice 
of law, but, all confidence in his integrity being lost, the re- 
mainder of his life was passed in obscurity. He died in 1836, 
at the age of 80. 

454. The territory now called Oregon was little known to 
the world even two centuries after other parts of the Pacific 
coast had been explored. Navigators, in quest of a northern 
passage between the oceans, had sought a harbor on its in- 
hospitable shore, but without success till May, 1792, when 
Captain Gray, of Boston, entered the mouth of a noble river, 
which he called " Columbia" from the name of his vessel. 

Blennerhasset. What became of him ? 453. What steps was government obliged to 
take? When was Burr arrested? Where was he taken for trial? For what was he 
indicted ? What excited the wonder of his companions in jail ? What verdict was re- 
turned ? What contributed much to this result? What was the subsequent history of 
Burr? 454. What is said of the territory now called Oregon ? What had led navigators 
to its shores ? Who was the first to find a harbor there ? What claim was put forth by 



334 



JEFFERSON S ADMINISTRATION. 



[1804: 



The United States immediately laid claim to the region 
drained by this river and its tributaries. Li 1804, at Jeffer- 
son's suggestion, a party of thirty-five soldiers and hunters 
was sent out under Captain Lewis and Lieutenant Clarke, to 
cross the Rocky Mountains and explore the continent as far 
as the mouth of the Columbia. They spent the winter of 
1804-5 among the Mandan Indians at the Falls of the Mis- 
souri. In the spring they resumed their journey, and No- 
vember brought them to their point of destination. 

The adventures of the exj^lorers were embodied in a nar- 
rative which was read Avith avidity by thousands. They had 
passed more than two years at a distance from civihzed so- 
ciety, had travelled 6,000 miles among savage tribes, and 
returned "^dth the loss of but a single man. Hair-breadth 
escapes often saved them from the ferocious beasts of the 
forest and Indians hardly less ferocious. One night some of 
the party espied a huge grizzly bear near a river by which 




ADVENTURE OF LEWIS AND CLAKKE 8 EXPLORING PARTY. 



the U. 8. ? What was done in 1804 ? Where did the explorers spend the ensuing win- 
ter ? When did they reach their point of destination ? How many miles did they travel ? 



1805] BRITISH AGGRESSIONS. 335 

they were encamped, and approaching within forty yards 
gave him the contents of their guns. Four balls entered his 
body, but served only to make him more furious. He rushed 
towards them, and on the way received another volley from 
two of the hunters who had prudently reserved their fire. 
Before they could reload, the angry beast was upon them, and 
they fled to the river. Two found refuge in a boat, and the 
others, hiding in a clump of willows, wounded him again and 
again till they also were forced into the water. The bear 
pursued, and had almost overtaken one of the hunters when 
he received a bullet in his brain and fell. 

455. In 1805 and the two following years, American com- 
merce suffered much from British aggressions. The United 
States maintained a strict neutrality in the wars that were 
convulsing Europe, but their rights as a neutral nation were 
disregarded. Vessels sailing under their flag on the high 
seas were subjected to frequent and flagrant injuries. Eng- 
land authorized her ofiicers to stop them, to examine their 
crews, and impress for their otvti ships whatever seamen they 
chose to regard as British subjects. These outrages Ameri- 
can vessels were often too weak to resist. The frigate Ches- 
apeake, when starting on a distant voyage, was unexpectedly 
attacked by the British ship Leopard, which had been en- 
joying the hospitality of an American port. Several of her 
crew were killed, and four men were impressed and carried on 
board of the Leopard, on the plea that they Avere deserters. 
Jefferson, in a proclamation, immediately ordered all British 
vessels of war to quit the waters of the LTnited States. The 
Enghsh government disavowed the act and promised repara- 
tion ; but nothing satisfactory was done. The president fur- 
ther retaliated, by lajing an embargo on American vessels, 
that is, forbidding them to leave port. This was done to 
distress England, for American ships during the war had 
done most of the carrying trade of Europe. The embargo, 



Kelate their adventure ■with a grizzly bear. 455. What cause of trouble arose in 1S05? 
To what outrages were American vessels subjected? What befell the Chesapeake? 
What was immediately done by the president? What was the course of the English 
government? How did Jefferson further retaliate ? What was the effect of the em- 



336 



Jefferson's administration. 



[' 




JFH-hRhON 8 SFAT MONTICFLLO A A 



however, was found so injurious to the commercial interests 
of the North, that after fourteen months it was repealed, and 
a non-intercourse act was pas«;ed m its stead. 

456. In the midst -^ 
of these difficulties, 
Mr. Jefferson's sec- 
ond term expired. 
Declining reelec- 
tion, he announced 
his determination to 
return to private 
life. Though some 
partisans charged ^ 
him with pursuing «" 
too timid a course 
in relation to the aggressions of England, all respected him 
as a man of high talents and stern integrity, who had labored 
honorably and successfully for his country. An epitaph 
placed on his monument by his own direction tells us that 
he was the " Author of the Declaration of Independence ; 
of the statute for religious freedom in Virginia ; and the 
father of the University of Virginia". 

457. Before leaving this period, we must notice one of 
those great inventions that mark an epoch in the world's his- 
tory. Its projector Avas Robert Fulton, a native of Penn- 
sylvania, at this time about forty years of age. His educa- 
tion was imjjerfect, and he had figured in early life as a 
sketcher of landscapes and portraits. During a visit to Eng- 
land, he learned what was then known respecting the powei-s 
and applications of steam, and conceived the idea of employ- 
ing it in navigation. The poet Darwin, shortly before, m 
the spirit of prophecy, had written, 

" Soon shall thy arm, uncooquered steam, afar 
Drag the slow barge, or drive the rapid car," — 
and Fulton resolved to bring the prophecy to pass. 

bargo? How long did it remain in force ? What was finallj' substituted for it? 456, 
TIow did Jefferson feel with respect to reelection? What is said of his character? 
What does his epitaph tell us ? 45T. What great invention belongs to this period ? By 



1807] 



FULTON S GREAT INVENTION. 



837 




FULTON S CLERMONT, 



Full of the thought, Fulton went to Paris, and there, amid 
discouragements of various kinds, devised an engine adapted 
to the purpose. In 1806, he returned to New York ; and, 
aided by Mr. Livingston, whom he had met in France, he 
commenced on the East River the construction of the first 
steamboat. It was 100 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 7 feet 
deep. The work went on, though it was prophesied on all 
sides that it would -^^k 

be a failure. At ^r^"^"^^ -^i=-^_ 

last the boat (origi- 
nally named the 
Clermont, but af- 
tei-wards the North 
River) was com- 
pleted, and re- j^ 
moved to the Jer- 
sey shore. On the 
2nd of September, 
1807, Mr. Fulton invited his friends to join him on a trial 
trip. The word was given, but it was found that the engine 
would not move. Who can conceive Fulton's anxiety, as 
he hastens below to ascertain the cause of the difficulty ? 
Is the cherished project of years after all but a di'eam ? Is 
he to incur loss and ridicule by the utter failure of his plans ? 
No ! he finds the obstacle, removes it. The wheels revolve, 
and the boat glides freely over the waters of the Hudson. 
Honor and fortune are his : a giant stride has been taken in 
the march of intellect. 

The Clermont plied for some years between New York 
and Albany. Before this the passage had been made in 
sloops, and required from six to ten days. The Clermont 
performed it in 36 hours, at a charge of $7 to each passen- 
ger. For several years the Hudson could boast of the only 
steamboat in the world. 

whom was it made? What is said of Fulton's previous history? What had Darwin 
written shortly before ? Where did Fulton devise his first engine ? Where did he then 
go? By whom was he aided ? Where did he commence the construction of his boat? 
What were its dimensions ? What was its name? Give an account of the trial trip. 
What became of the Clermont? What is said of the time and price of a passage be- 

15 



838 THOMAS PAINE. [lS09 

458. In the summer of 1809, Thomas Paine, whose wri- 
tmgs had been of great service to the patriot cause in the 
lievokition, died in his YSrd year. He was born in Norfolk, 
England, received an imperfect education, and in early life 
followed his father's vocation, which was that of a stay-maker. 
A political pamphlet, of which he was the author, introduced 
him to the notice of Franklin, by whose advice he went to 
America. He arrived on the eve of the Revolutionary strug- 
gle, and, by his famous pamphlet entitled " Common Sense" 
and other publications, helped to impress on the minds of 
the people the necessity of an entire sej^aration fi-om the mo- 
ther coimtry. The legislature of Pennsylvania recognized 
his services by presenting him £500. Congress voted him 
$3,000 ; and from New York he received 500 acres of land. 
Paine subsequently took part in the French Revolution, but 
was arrested and imprisoned, and narrowly escaped with his 
life. At the age of 65, he returned to America ; but his at- 
tacks on religion, added to his intemperate habits, prevented 
him from being treated with the consideration which he 
would otherwise have received, and his life closed in obscu- 
rity and wretchedness. 



CHAPTER IV. 

MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION, FKOM 1809 TO 1812. 

459. Jefferson was succeeded, March 4, 1809, by James 
Madison of Virginia, who appointed Robert Smith, of Mary- 
land, secretary of state. George Clinton was reelected 
vice-president. The difficulties with Great Britain first en- 
gaged the president's attention. The non-intercourse act, 

tween New York and Albany ? How long did the Clermont remain the only steam- 
boat in the world ? 458. Who died in the summer of 1809 ? Where was Thomas Paine 
born ? What vocation did he follow in early life ? What introduced him to Franklin's 
notice ? What services did he render in the Revolution ? How were these serviQCS re- 
warded ? What was Paine's subsequent history ? 

459. By whom was Jefferson succeeded? Who was elected vice-president at the 
Fame lime with Madison ? What subject first, engaged the president's attention ? Give 



181l] 



THE PRESIDENT AND THE LITTLE BELT. 



339 




JAMES MAHISON. 



passed just before his 
inauguration, was still 
in force, but did not 
afford a sufficient rem- 
edy. The popular cry 
of "Free Trade and 
sailors' rights" was 
heard all over the land ; 
and government at last 
made peremptory de- 
mands of England, the 
refusal of which, it was 
understood, would re- 
sult in war. No con- 
cessions could be ob- 
tained. Mr. Pinkney, 
disappointed in his ne- 
gotiations, left London on the 1st of March, 1811 ; and short- 
ly afterwards Mr. Madison dismissed the British minister. 

460. While affairs were in this position. Captain Bingham, 
of the British sloop-of-war Little Belt, discovered at a dis- 
tance the American shi]3 President, under Commodore Rod- 
gers, and gave chase. As he neared the President, Captain 
Bingham began to doubt whether he was authorized in ma- 
king an attack, and finally altered his course. The Ameri- 
can commodore now in turn pursued. As he approached, a 
gun was fired from the Little Belt, and an engagement fol- 
lowed. The British vessel was severely injured, and thirty 
of her men were disabled. On the President, but one was 
wounded. 

461. The charter of the Bank of the United States ex- 
pired on the 4th of March, 1811. Its management had 
been judicious, and its effects beneficial ; but, after a long 
discussion, w^hich engaged the leading statesmen of the coun- 
try, both houses refused to recharter it ; the senate by the 



an aocount of what passed between Great Britain and the United States in the early years 
of Madison's administration. 460. Give an account of tlie engagement between the Little 
Belt and the President. 461. When did the charter of the Bank of the U. States expire ? 



340 Madison's administration. [isn 

casting vote of the vice-president, the lower house by a ma- 
jority of one. 

462. The rapid strides with which the Avestern Indians 
beheld civilization advancing upon them once more awakened 
their hostility, and made them ready, despite their fears of 
WajTie's threat, to unite under the first shrewd leader that 
should present himself Such a leader was found in the 
Shawnee chief Tecumseh. This famous " king of the woods" 
was born on the Mad River, Ohio, in 1768. He was distin- 
guished in childhood for bravery and endurance, and, when 
he grew up, took part in the various battles fought by his 
people in defence of their hunting-grounds. He had uni- 
formly opposed the cession of territory to the United States, 
and had refused his signature to the treaty made with Wayne. 
Finding it for the time useless to resist, he had then tried to 
wean his countrymen from their intemperate habits, and to 
form such a combination among all the Indian tribes as would 
prevent any further sale of their lands. Partial success in 
these efforts encouraged Tecumseh to assume a bolder tone. 
He denied the validity of existing treaties ; and, when the 
U. S. agent remonstrated with him for transgressmg the 
bounds settled by Wayne, he replied that " the Great Spirit 
above knew no bounds, neither would his red children ac- 
knowledge any". 

The efforts of the Shawnee chief were seconded by his 
brother, who pretended to be a prophet sent by the Great 
Spirit to reform his countrjmien. While Tecumseh was en- 
gaged in visiting the frontier tribes for a distance of 1,000 
miles, the Prophet was acquiring great influence among the 
adjacent nations. Crowds flocked to hear the new doctrines 
which he preached. He finally fixed his head-quarters at the 
mouth of the Tippecanoe (in the western part of Indiana), 
where he built a town for his followers. Supported by his 
brother's influence and encouraged by British agents, Te- 

What is said of the attempts to recharter it ? 462. What once more awakened the hos- 
tility of the western Indians? Who appeared as their leader? Where was Tecumseh 
born ? What is said of his early history ? Finding it useless to resist, to what did he 
confine his efforts? Encouraged by his success, what ground did he finally take? By 
whom were Tecumseh's efforts seconded ? What did the Prophet pretend ? In what 






i8ii] tecumseh's visit to the creeks. 341 

cumseh in 1810 felt that the time for action had arrived. A 
messenger was sent to Gov. Harrison to ask for a conference, 
and the wily chief received permission to visit Vincennes 
with a small party of warriors. He came with 400. The 
suspicions of the general were awakened, and in making ar- 
rangements for the council, which was held in a grove near 
the town, he took care to provide against treachery. It was 
weU he did so. While he was speaking in reply to Tecum- 
seh, the latter insolently interrupted him, and the other Red 
Men made hostile movements as if for an attack. The de- 
cisive measures of Gov. Harrison, however, overawed them, 
and Tecumseh was allowed to depart with a rebuke for his 
perfidy. 

463. In 1811, after paying Gov. Harrison another visit, 
and disavowing all hostile purposes, Tecumseh went to the 
South, to bring over the Creeks to his league. Some of the 
tribes willingly listened to his fiery harangues, and accepted 
the bundle of red sticks, which was the emblem of their 
union for a bloody war ; but one of the Georgia chiefs re- 
ceived the sticks in such a way that Tecumseh distrusted his 
sincerity. Sternly eyeing the suspected warrior, he threat- 
ened the whole tribe with the vengeance of Heaven, and 
declared that when he reached Detroit he would stamp on 
the ground and shake down every house in their village. 
The Creeks counted the days ; and by a strange coincidence, 
when the predicted time had about arrived, the whole south- 
ern country was visited by an earthquake. Trees that had 
borne the gales of centuries trembled and fell ; the waters of 
the Mississippi were convulsed ; and the town of New Ma- 
drid was swallowed up by its boiling waves. As the terri- 
fied Creeks beheld the earth shake and their wigwams totter 
and fall, they remembered the vengeful words of the Shaw- 
nee, and cried in consternation, "Tecumseh has reached 
Detroit !" 



was he engaged, while Tecumseh was enlisting the more distant tribes ? In ISIO, what 
did Tecumseh do? Give an account of his interview with Gen. Harrison. 463. In 
1811, where did Tecumseh go? For what purpose? How was he received? What 
passed between him and one of the Georgia chiefs? How was Tecumseh's threatening 



342 



MADISON S ADMINISTKA.TION. 



[I8II 



464. So alarming were the accounts of Tecumseh's move- 
ments, that government finally instructed Gen. Harrison to 
march against the Prophet's town and destroy it unless a 
satisfactory treaty was signed. Volunteers were raised for 
the expedition. Early in November, 1811, the U. S. army 
approached the Tippecanoe. It was met by Indian ambas- 
sadors, who expressed a strong desire for peace, and prom- 
ised that the Prophet would the next day sign the required 
treaty. That night the men lay encamped in order of battle. 
About two liours before dawn [November 7], one of the 
sentinels espied something moving in the grass, and fired. 
The discharge was answered by the terrible war-whoop of 
the Indians, who had crept up to surprise the sleeping army, 
and now with rifle and tomahawk rushed to the very doors 
of the tents. Not one in twenty of Gen. Harrison's men 
had been in battle before, but they stood their ground like 
heroes. Fierce and repeated charges were made by the Red 



E^iLED IN THE GRASS Of THE WET PRAIRIE 




Tcji or the Blufi 

MARS H SiOYARDS 5 



''^^lANs CONCEALED ^^ IN 



THE HICH GRASS 



PLAN OF THE BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. 

Men, whom the pretended Prophet had inspired with extra- 
ordinary courage ; but each time they were repulsed. Har- 

prediction fulfilled ? 464. What instructions were issued by government in 1811 ? Early 
in November, ISll, where were Harrison and his army? By whom were they met? 
How did they pass the night ? Wh.at took place two hours before dawn ? What is said 
of Gen. Harrison's men? [See Map.— Where were the Indians concealed? On what 
creek was the battle? How high was the bluff occupied by the Americans? What 



181l] BAITLE OF TIPPECANOE. 343 

rison hastened from point to point, exhorting his men to keep 
an unbroken line till daylight should enable them to drive 
the savages from their position. 

The wounds inflicted by the Indians were unusually pain- 
ful, m consequence, as it was afterwards found, of their hav- 
ing chewed their bullets, and thus given them a rough sur- 
face, which tore the flesh and caused poignant torture. Every 
charge of the savages was followed by fearful screams from 
the wounded. Still the troops maintained their hue. Gen. 
Harrison, though marked for special aim, escaped with no 
further injury than the loss of a lock of hair, cut ofi" by a 
bullet. At last the wished-for dawn appeared. The assail- 
ants were soon dislodged from their cover, and pursued to 
a neighboring swamp. They left 40 dead upon the field ; 
the Americans lost 62 killed, and 126 more or less injured. 
Gen. Harrison, as tender-hearted as he was prudent and 
brave, carefully ministered to the wounded, and shared his 
stores with his men, who for a time had no food but horse- 
flesh. The Prophet's town was destroyed, and the victorious 
army returned to Vincennes. The defeat of Tippecanoe was 
a severe blow to Tecumseh. In hazarding a battle during 
his absence, the Prophet disobeyed his direct commands, and 
thus forfeited his confidence ; nor did the Indians any longer 
believe in the sacred character of one whose predictions and 
promises had proved utterly false. 

465. The twelfth Congress of the United States met No- 
vember 4, 1811. It contained many already distinguished 
as statesmen, and others destined to become so. John C. 
Calhoun, of South Carolina, appeared for the first time in 
the house of representatives ; Henry Clay, of Kentucky, was 
elected speaker. Congress without delay prepared for war 
with England. It was resolved to enlist 25,000 regulars and 



general commanded near the point first attacked ?] Describe the charges of the Red 
Men. What did Harrison exhort his men to do? What is said of the wounds inflicted 
in this battle ? What was the cause of this ? What injury did Gen. Harrison receive ? 
On the appearance of dawn, what was done? What was the loss on each side? How 
did Gen. Harrison treat his men ? What did the victorious array then do ? What ef- 
fect had this defeat on the Prophet's standing ? 465. When did the twelfth Congress 
meet? What new members made their appearance? What measures were taken, in 



344 Madison's administration. [isia 

50,000 volunteers ; and the respective states were directed 
to arm and equip their proportion of 100,000 militia for the 
defence of the coast and frontier. Import duties generally 
were doubled, and a loan of $11,000,000 was authorized. 

While the country was anxiously waiting for Great Brit- 
ain's final response, Louisiana was admitted as the seven- 
teenth state of the Union [April 8, 1812], and the Territory 
of Missouri was organized, with St. Louis as its capital. 
Soon after the answer of the British ministry arrived. They 
would abandon no measures, however injurious or offensive 
to the United States, which the war with France made it 
their interest to employ. All hope of peace was now laid 
aside. Clay, Calhoun, and others, took the ground that fur- 
ther submission would be incompatible with the honor of 
America. Accordingly, war was declared by a vote of 79 
to 49 in the house, and 19 to 13 in the senate. On the 18th 
of June, 1812, President Madison signed the biU, and war 
was formally proclaimed the folloAving day. 



CHAPTER V. 

MADISON'S ADMINISTKATION (cONTINIIEd) , 1812. 

466. On the declaration of war. Gen. Dearborn, of Massa- 
chusetts, was appointed commander-in-chief of the American 
army. His force consisted mostly of New York mihtia, sta- 
tioned at Plattsburg and on the Niagara frontier. Twelve 
hundred Ohio volunteers, raised while the question of war 
was still under discussion, together with 300 regulars, were 
placed under the command of Gen. WiUiam Hull, whose rev- 
olutionary services entitled him to the confidence of his 
countrymen. Gen. Hull had been governor of Michigan 

anticipation of war? When was Louisiana admitted? What territory was organized ? 
What answer did the British ministry finally make to the demands of America? What 
ground was taken by Clay, Calhoun, and others? When and by how large majorities 
was war declared ? 

466. Who was appointed commander-in-chief of the American army? Of what did 
his force mainly consist ? To whom was the command of the northwestern army in- 



1813] 



hull's invasion of CANADA. 



345 



from the time of its organization as a territory in 1805 ; and 
his representations, as well as the hope of stopping the 
machinations of British agents and the Indian outrages 
which they had caused, led the U. S. government to project 
an invasion of Canada as the first step in the campaign. 
Hull hastened to Dayton, Ohio, to take command of his men, 
and led them by slow and laborious marches through the 
wilderness towards Detroit. He soon reahzed that this 
small force was totally inadequate to the object proposed; 
and the men, on their side, became equally convinced of the 
inefficiency of their commander. 

467. Gen. Hull had expected that war would be declared, 
but by some mismanagement no news of that event reached 
him till some time after it was known to the British. The 
very day he received the intelligence, a boat containing his 
baggage, stores, official papers, &c., was cai:)tured by the en- 
emy. On the 9th of July, Hull received instructions to pro- 
ceed with the invasion of Canada ; and three days afterwards 
he crossed to Sandwich, on the British side of the Detroit 
River. "With an 
insignificant force, 
containing but 300 |. 

men that had seenj ^^\\c\^^^ ^0ETR0iTymE<k 

service, his only 
chance of success 
lay in marching on 
the enemies' posts 
before the Canadian 
militia could be 
armed for their de- 
fence. Hull's course, 
however, was just 
the opposite. Ev- 
ery movement was 

trusted ? Of whom did it consist ? What office did Gen. Hull hold ? Through his 
representations, what did the TJ. S. government project? Where did Hull go to take 
command of his men? On the road to Detroit, what did they mutually find? 467. 
What was the first loss on the part of the Americans? By what was it caused ? On the 
Uh of July, what instructions did Hull receive ? Three days afterwards what did he do ? 

15* 




346 Madison's administration. [^s*^ 

characterized by indecision and delay. By the time the 
American general was ready to attack Maiden, the first Brit- 
ish fort that lay before him, it was strongly garrisoned with 
reofulars and mihtia. New diificulties now arose. Tecumseh 
called his warriors to the field, and joined the British army. 
Supplies were cut oflJ", and the invaders suftered for food. 
An intercepted letter stated that all the Indians of the North 
were preparing for a descent on the United States. Gen. 
Dearborn had agreed with the governor of Canada to sus- 
pend hostilities except on that part of the frontier occupied 
by Hull ; and Gen. Brock, thus released from the necessity 
of defending Niagara, was hastening with reinforcements to 
the relief of Maiden. Hull was not the man to hazard an 
attack with all these dangers before him. Hastily retreating, 
he abandoned the Canada shore and returned to Detroit. 

468. Mackinaw was at this time one of the most exposed 
posts belonging to the United States. It was a great empo- 
rium for furs, traders from Albany and Montreal resorting 
thither at certain seasons to buy from the Indians the prod- 
ucts of their traps and rifles. Before the feeble garrison at 
this place had heard that Avar was declared, they were at- 
tacked by a force of British and Indians, and obliged to 
surrender. 

469. No sooner had Gen. Brock reached Maiden and as- 
sumed command of the whole British army, than he led 
his forces to Sandwich, and prepared to attack Detroit. 
Tecumseh was the only one acquainted with the surrounding 
country, and the British commander called on him for infor- 
mation. Spreading a piece of elm bark on the ground, he 
drew his knife and without hesitation sketched an accurate 
plan of the whole region, with its hills, rivers, roads, and. 
marshes. Brock was so pleased mth this ready display of 
talent that he took a sash from his person and bound it 
round the waist of his ally. About this time, Tecumseh was 
made a general in the British army. 

What would have been his only chance of success ? What course did he pursue ? What 
was the state of Maiden by the time he was ready to attack it? What new difficulties 
now arose to embarrass him? What did they lead him to do? 468. What is said of 
Mackinaw? Give an account of its capture. 469. What was Gen. Brock's first step, ou 



1813] hull's surrender. 347 

On the 16th of August, 300 British regulars, 450 Canadians, 
and 600 Indians, crossed the river a short distance below 
Detroit, under cover of several armed vessels. No attempt 
was made to prevent them from landing ; but, on their march 
to the fort, they w^ere annoyed by parties of Americans. The 
latter, also, stood ready to receive them at their advanced 
battery, which was favorably planted, in such a way as to 
sweep with grape-shot the approachmg columns of the en- 
emy. There was every prospect of a successful resistance ; 
but, at the critical moment when the order to fire was ex- 
pected, Hull, unable to repress his fears, seemed to lose all 
presence of mind. Hardly had shots been interchanged, 
when, to the chagrin of his men, who are said to have wept 
when they beheld the disgraceful signal, he raised a white 
flag over the fort. No stipulations were made for the honors 
of war. Not only Detroit, -vWth its garrison, stores, and pub- 
lic property of every kind, but the whole of Michigan, was 
surrendered to the British. 

470. Gen. Hull was afterwards exchanged for thirty British 
prisoners, and tried by a court-martial for treason and cow- 
ardice. Col. Cass (now U. S. senator from Michigan) and 
other ofiicers who had served under him condemned him in 
unmeasured terms ; at the same time, it was clear that gov- 
ernment had ordered the invasion to be made with a very 
inadequate force, and had not properly supported the army 
of the Northwest or attended to the suggestions of its gen- 
eral. Hull was found guilty of cowardice and sentenced to 
be shot ; but, in consideration of his Revolutionary services, 
he was pardoned by the president. 

471. About the time that Detroit surrendered, Fort Dear- 
born, on the present site of Chicago, was invested by a body 
of savages. The commander, feeling that he could not make 

assuming commaud of the British? How did he obtain Information respecting the 
surrounding country ? How did he reward Tecumseh ? [See Map, p. 345. — What river 
separates Detroit from Sandwich ? What two lakes does the Detroit River connect ? 
In what direction is Sandwich from Maiden ?] What movement was made by Brock on 
the 16th of August? How were the British annoyed on their advance? What is said 
of the Americans\ advanced battery? What was the prospect? Give an account of 
Hull's conduct. What did the British gain by this surrender? 470. Give an account 
of Hull's trial and sentence. 471. About this time what fort was invested by savages ? 



348 Madison's administration. [isia 

good a defence with his small garrison, proposed to surren- 
der the post on condition that he and his men should be 
allowed to retire in safety. The Indians assented; but, 
learning that a quantity of powder and whiskey had been 
destroyed to prevent its faUing into their hands, they at- 
tacked the retreating soldiers on their march, killed some, 
and distributed the survivors among the neighboring tribes. 
The next day they burned Fort Dearborn to the ground. 

472. The mortification of the American people at the loss 
of Detroit was reUeved by the triumphs of their brave sailors. 
The whole efficient naval force of the country consisted of 8 
frigates, 8 sloops and brigs, and 1 70 small gunboats. With 
these was to be encountered the proud mistress of the ocean, 
with her thousand vessels. About the middle of July, Cap- 
tain Isaac Hull, in the American frigate Constitution, fell in 
with a British squadron and was chased by five vessels, but 
managed to escape by superior seamanship. On the 19th of 
August, while cruising near the Gulf of St. Lawrence, he en- 
countered the Guerriere \_gdre-e-dt'e'] one of the finest frigates 
in the British navy. She had for some time been on the 
lookout for Yankee craft, as her officers contemptuously 
called them, and carried at her mast-heads two flags, one 
with her name, the other bearing the inscription " Not the 
Little Belt," alluding to the vessel which had been roughly 
handled by the President before the war. The Constitution 
made ready for action, and approached the enemy. Broad- 
sides were received from the Guerriere, and several men fell 
at the guns. The crew burned with impatience to return 
the fire ; still no order was given. At last the experienced 
eye of Hull told him that he had reached the right position, 
and in a voice of thunder he gave the word. Broadside 
after broadside was poured in. The decks of the Guerriere 
were swept ; her masts fell ; she became mimanageable and 

What did its commander propose ? State -what followed. What was done to the fort? 
472. How was the mortification of the Americans at the loss of Detroit relieved ? How 
large was the naval force of America and Great Britain at the commencement of tho 
war? What frigate was commanded by Capt. Isaac Hull ? What befell him in July ? 
What on the 19th of August ? What flags diil the Guerriere carry ? Give an account of 
the engagement between the Constitution and the Guerriere. What was the loss on 



1813] ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE AMERICAN NAVY. 349 

struck her colors. Fifteen of her men were killed and sixty- 
three wounded. She had received such injuries that it was 
impossible to bring her into port, and the next day she was 
blown up. The Constitution had but seven men killed and 
seven wounded. 

473. Capt. Porter, of the Essex, soon afterwards separated 
a British brig from her convoy, and found on board $14,000 
in specie and 150 soldiers. He next captured the Alert after 
an action of eight minutes. The frigate President had the 
good fortune to overhaul an EngUsh packet with $200,000 
on board ; and the Argus took several valuable prizes which 
she brought safely into the port of New York. Lieutenant 
Elliott (since Commodore) made an important capture on 
Lake Erie in October, taking the Caledonia as she lay in 
fancied security under the guns of a British fort, and bring- 
ing her off with a cargo of furs worth $200,000. Commo- 
dore Chauncey also operated with success on the same lake, 
having got together a few vessels mounting in all 32 guns, 
with which he kept in check a British fleet bearing six times 
that number. 

474. Capt. Jacob Jones, in the sloop Wasp, also sustained 
the honor of the American arms. On the 13th of October, 
he met the British brig Frolic, convoying a fleet of mer- 
chantmen, and an action ensued. The Frolic fired as she 
rose on the waves, and only injured the rigging of her antag- 
onist. The Wasp poured in her broadside as she descended, 
and nearly every shot told on the hull of the enemy. Hav- 
ing approached the Frolic so near that his rammers while 
he was loading touched her side, Capt. Jones ordered his 
men to board. A melancholy scene of destruction lay before 
them. The decks were covered with dead and dying. The 
colors were left flying, only because there was no one to 
haul them down. But three ofiicers and a private at the 
helm were left alive on deck. Unfortunately the Americans 

each side ? What became of the Guerriere ? 473. What achievements were performed 
by Captain Porter ? What was done by the President and the Argus? What capture 
was made on Lake Erie ? Describe Commodore Chauncey's operations on the same 
lake. 474. Who commanded the Wasp ? What brig did he encounter ? Give an account 
of the engagement. On boarding the Frolic, what did Captain Jones find ? What hap- 



350 Madison's administkation. [isia 

could not secure their prize. The British seventy-four, 
Poictiers, [pwah-te-d'], coming along before the Wasp could 
make sail, captured both vessels and took them into Bermuda. 

475. The frigate United States was commanded by Capt. 
Decatur, one of the heroes of the Tripolitan War. On the 
25th of October, 1812, he encountered the British frigate 
Macedonian off the Azores. After an action of an hour and 
a half, the Macedonian surrendered. Decatur vras as distin- 
guished for courtesy as courage. When Capt. Garden ten- 
dered his sword to him, he repUed that he could not think 
of taking the sword of an officer who had defended himself 
so gallantly, but would be happy to grasp his hand. 

476. Commodore Bainbridge, in the Constitution, on the 
29th of December, added another to the brilliant triumphs 
of the American navy. Running along the coast of Brazil, 
he descried a British frigate, and gave chase. After a spir- 
ited action, which lasted an hour, the enemy struck. The 
captured vessel was found to be the Java. She carried fewer 
guns than the Constitution, but a larger force ; having, be- 
sides her regular crew, 100 men designed for the East India 
service. 

The news of these achievements raised the national en- 
thusiasm to the highest pitch. Those hearts of oak who 
had thus won glory for America on a field where it was least 
expected, received the grateful homage of the nation. Con- 
gress rewarded them Tvdth complimentary resolutions as well 
as something more substantial. Fifty thousand dollars was 
appropriated as prize money to the Constitution for the cap- 
ture of the Guerriere, and a like amount for the Java. The 
crew of the Wasp received $25,000 ; and $100,000 went to 
the captors of the Macedonian. Besides those mentioned, 
a number of minor actions took place from time to time, in 
which the Americans were for the most part victorious. Pri- 

pened before the Wasp could make sail ? 475. By whom was the United States com- 
manded ? What vessel did she encounter ? When and where ? What was the result ? 
What passed between Capt. Garden and Decatur? 476. What engagement took place 
oflF the coast of Brazil ? When ? How did the vessels compare in force ? What was 
the result of the engagement? How was the news of these achievements received? 
How were their heroes rewarded ? What is said of the minor actions that took place ? 



1813] 



BATTLE OF QUEENSTOWN. 



351 



vateers scoured the ocean, and British commerce suffered as 
it had never done before. In the course of the year, 250 
vessels and 3,000 sailors, besides valuable cargoes, Avere cap- 
tured from the enemy. 

477. Meanwhile important 
events were transpiring on the 
frontier of New York. By 
the time the armistice granted 
by Gen. Dearborn had termi- 
nated, a body of militia and a 
few regulars had gathered at 
Lewiston, on the Niagara Riv- 
er, under Gen.Yan Rensselaer. 
The troops were impatient for 
action, and their commander 
determined to cross the Niag- 
ara and make an attack on 
Queenstown. With some dif- 
ficulty boats were procured ; 
and, on the 13th of October, 
the van of the invading army 
crossed under Colonels Van 
Rensselaer and Christie, who 
were joined by Lieutenant-colonel (now Lieutenant-general) 
Scott as a volunteer. The British were driven from their 
batteries, and the heights were speedily carried. Rallying 
under Gen. Brock, they attemjDted to regain their ground, 
but were repulsed with loss, their commander himself faUing 
with a mortal wound. The Americans now desired to fortify 
their position, but no implements had been brought over. 
Not more than a thousand men had as yet crossed ; and as 




THE NIAGAEA FRONTIER, 



How many British vessels and sailors were captured in 1812 ? 477. Where were im- 
portant events meanwhile transpiring ? Where had some American militia assembled ? 
Under whom ? [See Map.— How is Lewiston situated ? What place is opposite to it, 
on the Canada side? In what direction does the Niagara Eiverflow? What lakes 
does it connect? Is Queenstown above or below the Falls? What islands in the Ni- 
agara?] What did Van Rensselaer determine to do? When did the van of the inva- 
ding army cross ? Under what leaders ? Give an account of their movements. After 
carrying the heights, what did the Americans desire to do ? What prevented them from 



352 Madison's administration. [isia 

there was immediate necessity for reinforcements to meet 
the fresh columns of British and Indians, advancing imder 
Gen. Sheaffe [shefe]^ Van Rensselaer returned to Lewiston 
to hasten the embarkation of his remaining troops. The 
men stood ready on the shore ; but the sight of their wound- 
ed comrades brought back to camp had suddenly dampened 
their ardor. They denied the constitutional right of the 
general to lead them out of their own state, and refused to 
embark. Meanwhile those on the Canada side, thus basely 
abandoned to the enemy, after maintaining for a while an 
unequal struggle, at length had to surrender. Sixty were 
killed, 100 wounded, and the rest were taken prisoners. Yan 
Kensselaer resigned his command in disgust, and was suc- 
ceeded by Gen. Smyth, who was a good tactician, but had 
seen little service. After projecting two invasions of Can- 
ada, both of which were unsuccessful, Smyth also resigned. 

478. Thus far the reverses of the Americans on land had 
been as decided as their triumphs on the ocean. T^jdce 
they repulsed the enemy at Ogdensburg, and these suc- 
cesses, with the defeat of a party of British and Indians by 
Col. Pike during a rapid incursion into Canada, were the 
only victories of which they could boast. Nothing more 
was attempted during the remainder of the season. The 
presidential election engrossed the attention of the people 
during the fall, Madison being warmly opposed by those who 
condemned the war. He was chosen, however, for another 
term, and the vice-presidency was conferred on Elbridge 
Gerry, of Massachusetts. 

479. The reassembling of Congress in November was the 
signal for violent discussion between the advocates and op- 
ponents of the war. The latter pointed to the successive 
defeats of the campaign, and complained in strong terms of 
the inefficient measures of government. Still Congress pre- 

60 doing? How many Americans had crossed? What rendered it necessary to have 
immediate reinforcements ? Where did Van Rensselaer go ? What position did bis men 
take? Wliat was the consequence of this cowardly conduct? What was the American 
loss ? What did Van Rensselaer do ? By whom was he succeeded ? What is said of 
Gen. Smyth? 47S. What had thus far been the fortune of the Americans on land? 
What were the only victories of which they could boast ? 479. What ensued on the 



1813] COMMENCEMENT OF HIS SECOND TERM. 353 

pared to prosecute hostilities with vigor. Provision was 
made for the increase of the army, and the construction of 
four ships-of-the-hne, six frigates, and six sloops-of-war. 



CHAPTER VI. 

MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION (cONTINUEd), 1813. 

480. Early in 1813, in deference to public sentiment, 
Madison made some changes in his cabinet; appointing 
WilHam Jones, of Pennsylvania, head of the navy depart- 
ment, and Gen. Armstrong secretary of war. James Mon- 
roe, who had been secretary of state ever smce the com- 
mencement of the war, continued at the head of the cabinet. 
The thirteenth Congress commenced an extra session on the 
24th of May. Daniel Webster took his seat for the first 
time in the house of representatives, and Henry Clay was 
reelected speaker. The federaUsts, as a body, constantly 
voted against the measures proposed by government. Some 
of them, however, including Rufus King, senator from New 
York, supported the president on the ground, that, though 
unwisely commenced, the war should be vigorously prose- 
cuted. 

481. The only force in the field for the protection of the 
western frontier, after the fall of Detroit, was a body of Ken- 
tucky volimteers, who had promptly responded to the call 
of the executive, before the news of Hull's surrender was 
received. In accordance with the universal wish, the gov- 
ernor of Kentucky had appomted Gen. Harrison to the com- 
mand of this force, though he was not a resident of the state. 
Hardly had Harrison joined his men, and inspired them with 

reassembling of Congress? Of what did the opponents of the war complain? What 
measures were taken by Congress ? 

4S0. Early in 1813, what changes were made in the cabinet? Who remained secre- 
tary of state? When did Congress meet? Who appeared in the lower house for the 
first time ' Who was elected speaker ? What was the course of most of the federalists ? 
What position was taken by a portion of that party? 4Sl.~What was the only force 
now in the field for the defence of the western frontier ? Who was appointed to their 



854: Madison's administration. [isia 

confidence and enthusiasm, when he was obliged to give way 
to Gen. Winchester, whom the national government had ap- 
pointed to the command of the northwestern army. The 
volunteers expressed their dissatisfaction freely ; and it was 
found expedient to yield to their wishes, and supersede Win- 
chester ivith the veteran who more than all others enjoyed 
the confidence of the West. With his commission Harrison 
received extraordinary powers, which no ofiicer before him 
had enjoyed except Washington and Greene in the Revolu- 
tion. He was required to defend the whole frontier from 
Pennsylvania to Missouri, and immediately began to reor- 
ganize the army. 

October, 1812, found Harrison and his men on the march 
for Detroit, which post it was resolved to recover. Their 
route lay through a swamp that seemed interminable, and 
the soldiers suifered much. Their ofiicers, however, bore 
every hardship with them, and they continued to advance. 
Their progress was necessarily slow, and the approach of 
winter obliged Gen. Harrison to defer the attack on Detroit 
till spring. He fixed his head-quarters at Franklinton, Ohio, 
and stationed a division of his army, under Gen. Winchester, 
at Fort Defiance, on the Maumee. 

482. Early in January, 1813, Winchester received infor- 
mation that the inhabitants of Frenchtown, on the Raisin 
River, were in danger of attack ; and, though he thereby 
ran the risk of disconcerting the plans of his commander, he 
marched forth to their help. The enemy were found and dis- 
persed. Shortly afterwards, Winchester's camp was attacked 
by an army of 1,500 British and Indians, from Maiden, under 
Proctor. After a struggle, which cost each party not far 
from 300 men, the surviving Americans surrendered on the 

command by the governor of Kentucky? Who, by the national government? What 
change did the administration soon find it expedient to make? What powers were in- 
trusted to Gen. Harrison ? What was he required to do ? Where were Harrison and 
his men in October, 1S12? What post was it proposed to recover? Give an account 
of their march. Wliat did the approach of winter compel Harrison to do ? Wliere did 
he fix his headquarters ? Where was Gen. Winchester stationed? 4S2. Wliat infor- 
mation did Winchester receive early in January ? [See Map, p. 345. — Where is Fort 
Defiance? Into what does the Maumee empty ? Where is Frenchtown ? Into what 
does the Kaisin empty ?] What did Winchester do? Give an account of his expedi- 



1813] SIEGE OF FORT MEIGS. 355 

recommendation of their general, who had been taken, and 
the pledge that their lives and property should be safe. 
Proctor immediately returned to Maiden with such of his 
prisoners as were able to walk, leaving the rest behind 
without any guard to protect them from his bloodthirsty 
allies. Hardly had the British departed when the savages 
gave free vent to their passions, robbing, torturing, and scalp- 
ing their defenceless victims. The British officer left in com- 
mand made no attempt to save the suiFerers. To revenge 
the losses they had sustained in the battle, the Indians finally 
set fire to two houses in which most of the wounded were 
crowded, driving back into the flames those who attempted 
to escape. Such of the Americans as survived these atroci- 
ties were taken to Detroit, where they were dragged 
through the streets and ofiTered for sale. The people of the 
place sacrificed every thing they could spare to ransom them, 
and remonstrated with Proctor for allowing such barbarities, 
but without effect. 

483. The loss of this important division deranged General 
Harrison's plans. He was too weak to attack Detroit, and 
could only hope to hold the ground already occupied. Fort 
Meigs \^negz\ was commenced at the Rapids of the Maumee; 
and the whole American force, 1,200 strong, labored day 
and night to complete it before the enemy should gather for 
its attack. They needed all their haste. Hardly had they 
completed their works, and surrounded them with a ditch 
dug in the fi-ozen ground, when Proctor with his British, and 
Tecumseh with 600 warriors from the Wabash, appeared 
before the fort. Their batteries opened on the 1st of May, 
but a high breastwork of earth protected the Americans, and 
little impression was made on their defences. The Indians 
fired into the fort from trees, which they climbed for the pur- 
pose. On one occasion, a soldier was mortally wounded at 

tion. By whom was he attacked at Frenchtown ? What was the result of the battle ? 
How did Proctor keep his pledge ? How were the prisoners that were left behind treat- 
ed? 4S3. What was the consequence of the loss of this division? What was the most 
that Harrison could hope to do? What fort was erected? Where? By whom was it 
soon invested ? When did the enemy open their batteries? By what were the Amer- 
icans protected ? How did the Indians try to pick off the garrison ? What narrow 



356 Madison's administration. [1813 

the side of Harrison ; on another, a ball struck the bench 
on which the general was sitting. Still he escaped, though 
constantly employed in directing the defences. His exam- 
ple made every man a hero. 

On the 4th of May, news reached the beleaguered garri- 
son that Gen. Clay, who had come by rapid marches with a 
reinforcement of 1,200 Kentuckians, was within a few miles 
of the fort. Harrison sent orders that a detachment from 
this force should land on the left side of the river and de- 
stroy the British batteries, while a sortie was made from the 
fort against those on the right side. The latter movement 
succeeded, and 45 prisoners were taken. On the left side, 
Col. Dudley was less fortunate. His men gallantly drove 
the British from their batteries ; but the joy of Gen. Harri- 
son, who was watching them with his glass, was turned into 
consternation, when, instead of retreating to their boats, ac- 
cording to his orders, he saw them preparing to maintain 
their position. Already the main body of the enemy was 
in motion to intercept them. Foreseeing their fate unless 
they saved themselves by an immediate retreat, Harrison 
offered $1,000 to any one who would cross the river and 
warn Col. Dudley of his danger. The mission was under- 
taken; but, before the messenger could get across, the Amer- 
icans were cut off. About 80 were killed, and 550 taken 
prisoners ; 150 escaped to their boats. 

The prisoners were treated with the usual barbarity. Gen. 
Proctor took no pains to save them. The savages, while 
glutting their thirst for blood, were suddenly startled by ter- 
rible shouts in their own tongue, and the next moment Te- 
cumseh dashed into the circle. Two Indians were in the act 
of kilHng a helpless American who had surrendered. Hurl- 
ing the murderers to the earth, he drew his knife and tom- 
ahawk, and dared any of the affrighted throng to take the 
life of an unresisting prisoner. Even Proctor escaped not 

escapes had Gen. Harrison ? What news reached the garrison of Fort Meigs, on the 4tb 
of May? What orders were sent by Harrison? What was the success of the sally? 
What was Col. Dudley's success on the other side ? What fatal mistake did he make ? 
What did Harrison soon see? How did he try to save them ? What was the result? 
How were the prisoners treated ? Describe Tecumseh's noble conduct. What passed 



I 



1813] FALL OF CAPTAIN LAWRENCE. 357 

the rebuke of the indignant chief, who on various occasions 
displayed a more Christian spirit than his Christian ally. 
"Your Indians cannot be restrained," was Proctor's answer. 
" Go put on petticoats," indignantly interrupted Tecumseh ; 
" you are not fit to command men." Finding that he could 
neither frighten Harrison into a surrender, nor make any 
impression on his defences, the British general soon aban- 
doned the siege. 

484. The gallantry of American seamen, though not mark- 
ed by the same uniform success as in the preceding year, 
continued to be the theme of admiration. On the 23rd of 
February, Capt. James Lawrence, in the Hornet, after hav- 
ing shortly before captured a brig containing $20,000, en- 
countered off the coast of South America the Peacock, a 
vessel about equal in size to his own. After an action of fif- 
teen minutes, the Peacock struck, and raised signals of dis- 
tress. She was found to be sinking rapidly, and, despite the 
efforts of both victors and vanquished, went down, carrying 
some of her own crew, and three of the Hornet's. Captain 
Lawrence, on his return to port, was greeted with the usual 
honors, and appointed to the command of the frigate Chesa- 
peake. Sailing out of Boston, with imperfect equipments 
and an ill-assorted crew, he met the British frigate Shannon. 
Early in the action, the brave Lawrence was wounded. His 
last order as he was carried below, ''''Don't give up the shipP'' 
has ever since served as a watchword for American sailors. 
In a few moments, a hand grenade thrown from the deck of 
the Shannon feU in the Chesapeake's arm-chest and exploded 
with disastrous effect. The enemy immediately boarded, 
and the Chesapeake was soon theirs. In killed and wound- 
ed she had lost nearly 150 men, to '79 on the part of the 
British. Capt. Lawrence expired after four days' suffering 
(at the age of 31), and was buried at Halifax with the hon- 
ors of war. His remains were afterwards removed to New 
York. 

between him and Proctor? 4S4. What is said of the gallantry of American seamen 
during the year 1813? Give an account of the engagement between the Hornet and the 
Peacock. To what vessel was Capt. Lawrence appointed on his return ? Give an ac- 
count of the engagement between the Chesapeake and the Shannon. What was the loss 



358 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 



[l813 




FALL OF CAPTAIN LAWEENCE, — " DON't GITE UP THE SHIP." 

This reverse was followed by another in August. The 
sloop Argus, after carrying the American minister to France, 
had cruised in the British Channel, committing great havoc 
among the enemy's shipping. Several vessels started in pur- 
suit, one of which discovered her by the light of a ship that 
she had taken and fired. A well-contested action followed, 
which resulted in the capture of the Argus and the destruc- 
tion of a great part of her crew. 

Commodore Porter, in the Essex, had selected the Pacific 
for his s]Dhere of action. In a five months' cruise, extending 
over the summer of 1813, he captured twelve armed wha- 
lers, of which he fitted up several as tenders, and dispatched 
others to the United States with valuable cargoes of oil. — 
On the 5th of September, Lieut. Burrows, in the Enterprise, 
a few days' sail from Portland, fell in with the English vessel 



on each side ? What became of Capt Lawrence ? What reverse followed in Angusl ? 
Recount Commodore Porter's achievements. Describe the conflict between the En 



1813] CAPTURE OF YORK. 359 

Boxer. The British had nailed their colors to the mast, so 
that they could not draw them down ; but, after an engage- 
ment of more than half an hour, in which both commanders 
were mortally wounded, they cried for quarter and surren- 
dered. Burrows refused to be carried from the deck. When 
the sword of his vanquished adversary was presented to him, 
he pressed it to his heart, and said, " I die contented". The 
two commanders were buried side by side with military hon- 
ors at Portland. 

485. In the spring of 1 813, the British government, feeling 
assured that the war with Napoleon would soon terminate, 
sent over additional forces for the defence of their possessions 
in the new world. The Americans, not discouraged by the 
last campaign, still contemplated an invasion of Canada; and 
the brave Pike, now raised to the rank of brigadier-general, 
was laboriously drilling 2,000 of his countrymen at Sackett's 
Harbor, to prepare them for a descent as soon as the season 
would allow. On the 25th of April, 1,700 picked men em- 
barked ; and, crossing Lake Ontario, they landed on the 27th, 
in face of a severe fire from the enemy, two miles from To- 
ronto (then called York), the capital of Upper Canada. Two 
redoubts having been taken. Gen. Pike halted his columns 
within 300 yards of the British barracks, which seemed to 
be abandoned. An officer was sent forward to reconnoitre. 
Suddenly the air was rent by a deafening explosion. The 
earth shook. Huge logs and heavy masses of stones were 
scattered in all directions. The British had connected a 
slow match with their magazine, and lighted it as they re- 
tired. 

Had the Americans not halted as they did, few would have 
survived to tell the sad story; as it was, 200 of their number 
were instantly killed or wounded. Pike was felled to the 
earth by a heavy stone ; but, forgetting the anguish of his 

terprise and tlie Boxer. Describe Burrows' death-scone. Where were the two com- 
manders buried ? 48.5. What was done by Great Britain in the spring of 1813 ? Wl)at 
did the Americans still contcmphttc ? How was Geii. Pike prepurinj,' for the invasion ? 
When did the invading army start? Wliere did they land? After taking two re- 
doubts, what did Gen. Pike do? Wliat followed? How was the explosion caused? 
How many Americans were disabled ? Who was among the number ? What did Pike 



360 Madison's administration. [isis 

mutilated frame, he cried out to his men, " Move on, my 
brave fellows, and revenge your general !" And they did 
move on, with three loud huzzas. The British gave way. 
Gen. SheafFe, with a portion of his regulars, escaped ; the 
rest surrendered. York, together with public property to the 
amount of half a million of dollars, fell into the hands of the 
victors. Among the trophies transmitted to the War De- 
partment was the mace used by the speaker of the provincial 
legislature, above which a human scalp w^as found suspended. 
Gen. Pike lived long enough to hear the victorious shouts of 
his men and to have the captured flag of the enemy placed 
under his head ; then the light gradually faded from his eye, 
and he expired without a groan. This brave man had pre- 
viously distinguished himself by his explorations in the ser- 
vice of government, having been the first to penetrate the 
wilds of Kansas and the valley of the Upper Mississippi. 

486. After their victory at York, the American army, re- 
inforced to 6,000 men, and led by Generals Dearborn and 
Lewis, proceeded to Fort George near the mouth of the 
Niagara River [see Map, p. 351]. This. post was taken with- 
out difficulty, and along w^ith it a number of prisoners, though 
most of the garrison made good their escape. The enemy, 
in alarm, blew up their remaining posts on the Niagara River, 
and retreated to Burlington Heights, at the western extrem- 
ity of Lake Ontario. A superior force of Americans set out 
in their pursuit, but were attacked at night by the British, 
while encamped a few miles from their Unes. The enemy 
were so w^armly received that they beat a retreat, but they 
had managed in the melee to capture the American generals, 
and the officer left in command shrunk from the responsi- 
bility of further ofiensive operations, and fell back to await 
orders from Dearborn. This was unfortunate : an immediate 



tell his men ? What was the result? What fell into the hands of the victors? What 
trophy was sent to the War Department ? Describe Gen. Pike's death-scene. For what 
besides his military talents was he distinguished ? 4S6. Where did the American army 
next proceed ? [See Map, p. 351.— Where is Fort George ? What place nearly opposite 
to It on the New York side?] By whom were the Americans led? What post was 
taken? What was done by the enemy? Who set out in their pursuit? What took 
place during the night ? Who were captured in the mSlee ? What was the consequence ? 



1813 



] SIEGE OF FORT STEPHENSON. 361 



attack on the British could hardly have failed of success, for 
their general also had been separated from his army in the 
darkness, and was foimd the next day several miles from 
camp with neither hat nor sword. — During the absence of 
the American troops on this expedition, a thousand of the 
enemy made a descent on Sackett's Harbor ; after destroying 
some of the stores there collected, they were repulsed by the 
militia under Gen. Brown, with considerable loss. 

■ 487. After his unsuccessful siege of Fort Meigs, Proctor 
had returned to Maiden, where he remained several months 
inactive. In the latter part of July, he again approached 
Fort Meigs. Sending Tecumseh with, his Indians into the 
neighboring woods, to make a noise as if a battle were raging 
there, he tried to draw the garrison out from their defences. 
But Gen. Clay, who w^as in command, was not to be thus 
deceived; and Proctor proceeded to attack Fort Stephenson 
at Lower Sandusky [see Map, p. 345], commanded by Major 
Croghan [crog'-a7i]^ a youth of twenty-one. Gen. Harrison, 
on hearing of the threatened attack, sent word to Croghan 
to retire with his garrison if artillery was brought against 
the fort, unless such a force of Indians should be collected as 
would render retreat dangerous. Before the order arrived, 
the woods around the foit were already filled. The young 
commander had no alternative but to hold out to the last 
extremity, and he sent one of his runners to inform Harrison 
of the fact. Supposing that his messenger might fall into 
the hands of the enemy, and wishing to mislead them, he 
closed his dispatch with these words, " We have determined 
to hold this place, and by heavens we can !" Contrary to 
his expectation, the runner reached Gen. Harrison. The 
dispatch was not explained ; and Harrison, thinking that 
Croghan was wilfully disobeying orders, suspended him from 

What happened to the British general? Give an account of the enemy's descent on 
Sacketfs Harbor. 48T. Where did Proctor go after his unsuccessful siege of Fort Meigs ? 
Towards the close of Jul}% what did he do? What stratagem did he employ to draw 
the Americans out? Failing in this, whither did he proceed? [See Map, p. 345. — In 
what direction was Lower Sandusky, or Fort Stephenson, from Fort Meigs ? On what 
river? Name the six forts in Northwestern Ohio.] By whom was Fort Stephenson 
defended ? What order did Croghan receive from Gen. Harrison ? What was the state 
of things by the time he received it ? Eecount the circumstances that led Harrison to 

16 



362 Madison's administration. [isis 

command. But the siege had ah-eady commenced ; no one 
could reach the fort, and Croghan remamed happily ignorant 
of his general's displeasure. 

Five hmidred British regulars and eight hundred Indians 
appeared before the fort on the 1st of August. Proctor 
called on the garrison to surrender, as the only means of es- 
caping massacre when the fort should be taken. The heroic 
Croghan answered, that, when the fort was taken, a massacre 
would do no harm, for none of its defenders would be left 
alive. A brisk cannonade was at once commenced by Proc- 
tor, Croghan had nothing with which to reply except one 
six-pounder ; but, by firing it from difierent points, he tried 
to make the enemy believe that he was well provided with 
artillery. At length he judged from appearances that the 
besiegers would concentrate their forces on the northwest 
angle of the fort ; and here, having loaded his piece heavily 
with slugs and grape-shot, he placed it in an embrasure care- 
fully concealed from the enemy. 

As he supposed, the British soon prepared to storm the 
fort, and a column of 350 men approached the northwest 
angle, where the broken appearance of the wall invited at- 
tack. "Come on," cried Colonel Short, leaping into the 
ditch, "give the Yankees no quarter!" In a few seconds 
the ditch was filled with men, eager to scale the wall ngw 
but thirty feet distant. At this critical moment, a sheet of 
flame burst from the masked cannon. Fearful was its exe- 
cution. The ditch was filled with dead and dying. A gall- 
ing fire of musketry from the walls completed the discom- 
fiture of the enemy. A retreat was ordered, and before 
dawn the following day the whole army had disappeared. 
Their loss was estimated at 150, while the Americans had 
but one killed and seven wounded. The conduct of Croghan 
was readily explained to Harrison's satisfaction, and loudly 
applauded by his admiring countrymen. 

suspend Croghan from command. What prevented anyone from superseding him? 
On what day was the fort invested ? By how many of the enemy ? How did Croghan 
answer Proctor's summons to surrender? How did he reply to the enemy's cannonade? 
What conclusion did Croghan soon come to? How did he prepare to meet their as^ 
saiill? Give an account of the attack and repulse. What completed the discomfiiiire 



1813] COMMODORE PERRY ON LAKE ERIE. 363 

488. Commodore Chauncey's victorious pennon now float- 
ed over the broad waters of Ontario, but the enemy were 
still masters of Lake Erie ; to Oliver H. Perry (a native of 
Rhode Island, then in his 28th year) was assigned the diffi- 
cult task of wresting it from them. The U. S. had no effi- 
cient naval force on the lake; and Perry was obUged to 
build his own brigs from the trees that fringed its shores. 
Working with unremitting diligence, he soon had nine ves- 
sels, carrying in all 54 guns, ready for action. With this 
little fleet, early in August, he stood boldly out into the lake ; 
and the British slowly retired before him. Their force, con- 
sisting of six vessels, momiting 63 gims, was commanded by 
Commodore Barclay, a veteran who had fought T\ith Nelson 
at the Nile and Trat-al-gar', and had already lost an arm in 
the service of his country. Perry had never seen a naval 
battle. 

After proceeding to Sandusky Bay, where he was fur- 
nished with men by Gen. Harrison, Commodore Perry made 
for Maiden, and displayed the American flag before the 
stronghold of the enemy. The British fleet seemed in no 
hurry to meet him. On an island in the Detroit River sev- 
eral thousand Indians had assembled, to witness the exj^ected 
engagement. Mortified at the backwardness of his allies, 
Tecumseh rowed over to Maiden in his canoe to see what 
was the. matter. " You told us," said he to Proctor, " that 
you commanded the waters. Why do you not go out to 
fight the Americans ? There they are, daring you to meet 
them." Proctor could hardly satisfy the impatient chief by 
telling him that ' the big canoes of his great father, King 
George, w^ere not quite ready'. 

489. On the 10th of September, Commodore Barclay bore 

of the enemy? What were they obliged to do? What was the loss on each side? 
4SS. On what waters was Commodore Chauncey victorious? What task was assigned 
to Commodore Perry? Of what stale was Perry a native? How old was he at tiiis 
time ? Where was he obliged to get his vessels ? Describe the fleet which lie soon had 
equipped. What did he do in August ? What was the naval force of the British on the 
lake? By whom was it commanded? How was Perry furnished with the requisite 
number of men ? For what place did he then make ? What seemed to be the disposi- 
tion of the British fleet? Who had assembled to witness the engagement? What 
passed between Tecumseh and Proctor ? 489. What movement was made by Commo- 



364 Madison's administration. [isis 

down towards the American fleet with his vessels arrayed 
in order of battle. Perry had longed for that hour. His 
flag-ship, the Lawrence, engaged the two largest vessels of 
the enemy and promptly returned their fire for more than 
two hours, till every man on board was killed or wounded 
except eight, who could manage but one gun and fired it the 
last time only Avith the aid of Perry himself. Finding he 
could do nothing more in the Lawrence, the American com- 
mander leaped in a boat and transferred to the JSTiagara his 
flag, which bore the immortal words of the dying Lawrence, 
Don't give up the ship I In performing this manoeuvre, he 
had to pass within pistol-shot of the British line ; and, though 
he stood proudly erect in his boat, a conspicuous mark for 
the sharp-shooters of the enemy, he escaped uninjured. The 
few survivors on the Lawrence gave three cheers as they saw 
him mount the deck of the Niagara, and the battle was re- 
newed more fiercely than ever. 

Taking advantage of a fii'esh breeze. Perry now plunged 
through the enemy's line, giving a raking fire right and left, 
a masterly manoeuvre which turned the fortunes of the day. 
The smaller vessels came up and seconded the movement. 
Numerous acts of heroism were performed, which will be 
long remembered by a grateful nation. From one of the 
vessels the last remaining sponge of the longest cannon fell 
over into the lake. A gunner, seeing that without it the 
best piece on board would become useless, coolly plunged 
mto the waves, recovered the important sponge, was drawn 
up by his comrades, and was soon loading and firing as 
calmly as if nothing had happened. A seaman on board of 
the Lawrence was struck by a cannon-ball m the shoulder, 
but refused to be carried below, and with his remaining 
hand rendered all the assistance in his power. 



dore Barclay on the 10th of September ? [See Map, p. 345.— Where did the fleets meet? 
A few miles from what islands?] Describe the engagement of Perrj^'s Lawrence with 
the two largest vessels of the enemy. After two hours' hard fighting, what did Perry 
find it necessary to do? In performing this manoeuvre, where did he have to pass? 
After reaching the Niagara, what masterly movement did Perry execute ? How was 
this manoeuvre seconded? What heroic act was performed by an American gunner? 
What is said of a brave seaman on the Lawrence ? How long after Perry reached the 






1813] PEKEy's glorious VICTORY. 365 

Within fifteen minutes after Perry reached the Niagara, 
the issue of the battle was decided. Commodore Barclay, 
wounded and fainting from loss of blood, felt that there was 
no alternative but surrender. His colors were hauled down ; 
and 600 men, more than the whole number of surviving 
Americans, fell into the hands of the victors. They were 
treated with a kindness which was in marked contrast with 
the barbarity of Proctor. Barclay always characterized his 
conqueror as " a gallant and generous enemy," and declared 
that his conduct to his prisoners was alone sufficient to im- 
mortalize him. About four hours after the action com- 
menced. Perry sent the following expressive dispatch to 
Gen. Harrison: — ""We have met the enemy and they are 
ours — two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and a sloop." 

When the Americans took possession of Barclay's flag- 
vessel, they found three Indians skulking in the cabin. Be- 
fore the engagement commenced, these sharp-shooters, Avho 
were eager to distinguish themselves in naval conflict, had 
been placed in the round-tops, to pick ofi* the American offi- 
cers with their rifles. Before they had a chance to disj^lay 
their skill, however, the cannon-balls came whistling through 
the rigging too close to be pleasant, and the heroes of the 
round-top made the best of their way to the deck. As the 
vessels closed, the deck became still more uncomfortable; 
and, leaving the American officers to take care of themselves, 
they got as far below as they could, and there remained till 
the vessel was taken. A pet bear, more courageous than 
the savages, was found enjoying itself on deck, lappmg up 
the blood of the fallen. 

490. Gen. Harrison immediately followed up Perry's glo- 
rious victory with an invasion of Canada. He landed near 
Maiden, and started in pursuit of Proctor and Tecumseh, 
who had dismantled the fort and were in full retreat. On 
the 28th of September, the American army reached Sand- 
Niagara was the issue of the battle decided ? What was Commodore Barclay obliged to 
do? How many British prisoners were taken? How were they treated? What was 
Barclay's testimony on this point? Repeat Perry's dispatch to Gen. Harrison. Relate- 
the story about three Indians on Barclay's flag-vessel. What was found on deck? 
490. How did Gen. Harrison follow up Perry's victory ? Where did he land ? What 



3G6 



MADISON S ADMINISTRATION. 



[l813 



'vvich, and a detachment was sent over to take possession of 
Detroit. On the 5th of October, the Britisli were oyertaken 
on the bank of the Thames. Proctor had chosen a favorable 
position on a narrow strip of land between the river and an 
extensive swamp, which was held by a strong body of In- 
dians under Tecumseh. The Shawnee king shrank not from 
the encounter, tliough he felt a presentiment that it would be 
his last. "My body," said he, "will remain on the field of 
battle"; and with the words he handed his sword to one of 
his followers, bidding him give it to the son of Tecumseh, 
when he should become a great warrior. 

491. Hardly had 
Gen. Harrison viewed 
the field when his ex- 
perienced eye discov- 
ered that Proctor, in 
order to extend his 
line to the river, had 
so weakened it that it 
could be readily bro- 
ken, and he ordered 
Col. Kichard M. John- 
son, with his Kentucky 
horsemen, to charge 
the enemy in front. 
This was done in the 
most spirited manner. Johnson^s troop broke the line with 
irresistible force, and forming on the rear of the enemy pre- 
pared to pour in a deadly fire from their rifles. The British 
at once surrendered, Gen. Proctor escaping only by the 
swiftness of his horse. Col. Johnson now led his men, sup- 
ported by a Kentucky regiment, to the swamp, where Te- 




^'^^^THh'^'^ 



had been done by Tecumseh and Proctor? On reaching Sandwich, what did Harri- 
son do? When were the British overtaken? Where? Describe Proctor's position. 
What presentiment had Tecumseh? 491. What did Gen. Harrison soon discover? 
What oTf'eT did he issue ? Describe Johnson's charge, and the result. What became 
ofProct ? Asrainstwhom did Johnson then lead his Kentuckians? [See M;ip.— On 
which e of the British did the Indians lie? What governor took part in this 
battl' ■• AThat village on the opposite bank of the Thames?] Give an account of John- 



1813J BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 367 

cumseh and the warriors he had so often led to victory 
silently awaited their appearance. Suddenly the fearless 
Shawnee sprang to his feet and sounded the shrill war- 
whoop. A hundred rifles were aimed at the undaunted 
Kentuckians as they rode swiftly doTvoi, and many a saddle 
was emptied. Col. Johnson, ever foremost in danger, was 
wounded and borne from the field by his milk-white charger, 
which was itself bleeding j^rofusely. " Leave me," gasjDed 
the fainting hero to the comrades who supported him; 
" don't return till you bring me tidings of victory." 

Just at the critical moment when the Kentuckians reached 
their foes and the battle raged most fiercely, a bullet, said 
to have been fired by Col. Johnson himself, struck Tecum- 
seh in the breast. He shouted his last word of command, 
stepped forward, and then calmly sunk at the foot of an 
oak and expired. A sudden terror seized the Red Men. 
The voice of their beloved leader was silent. The Great 
Spirit was angry. Ferocity gave way to despair, and the 
defeated warriors were soon flying through the wilderness. 
With the fall of Tecumseh terminated the battle of the 
Thames. Michigan was recovered; Upper Canada was 
conquered ; the honor of American arms was vindicated. 
General Harrison, after descending the lakes, proceeded to 
Washington, his countrymen v}dng with each other in doing 
him honor. 

492. Tecumseh was the most formidable of all the Indian 
warriors that ever fought against the United States. He 
was nearly six feet high ; his frame was muscular, and capa- 
ble of great endurance. A high forehead, piercing eyes, and 
gravity of expression, gave an air of command to his whole 
person. Strict morality and adherence to truth from his 
earhest years, added to talents of a high order and eloquence 
rarely equalled, made him not only a ruling spirit among the 
tribes of the wilderness, but also an object of respect to the 
nation whom he opposed with undpng hatred. 

son's charge upon the Indians. What befell the gallant Johnson ? Give an account of 
the fall of Tecumseh. What effect had this event on the Red Men ? What was the 
conseqaence of the battle of the Thames ? Where did Gen. Harrison proceed ? 492. 



368 



MADISON S ADMIN ISTKATION. 



[1813 



493. The efforts made in 1811 by Tecumseh to enlist the 
Creeks in a war with the United States, resulted, in the sum- 
mer of 1813, in the formation of a hostile league among the 
tribes of the region now known as Georgia, Alabama, Mis- 
sissippi, and Florida. Such signs of hostility were shown 
that the people in southwestern Alabama flocked for safety 
to the military posts scattered through the country. In 
Fort Mimms, which was defended by a body of volunteers, 
several hundred had taken refuge. While the gates were 
standing open at noonday, TOO Creeks, under Wetherford, 
stealthily aj^proached, and before the garrison were aware 
of their presence made a rush for the fort. An entrance 
was effected ; the buildings were fired ; and between three 
and four hundred men, women, and childi'en were massacred. 

The governors of Georgia, 
Tennessee, and Mississippi 
Territory, immediately took 
measures for an effective in- 
vasion of the Creek country 
with 7,000 men. This force 
was to advance in four divi- 
sions from different points, 
and meet in the heart of the 
hostile region. The Tennes- 
seans were first in the field, 
and their command was in- 
trusted to General Andrew 
Jackson (who had been for 
some years a resident of 
Nashville, and had served 
in the TJ. S. Senate with 
distinction), already well 
known to the Indians 




as 



SEAT or THE CKEEK WAR. 



Describe Tecumseh's person and character. 493. In what did Tecumseh's efforts among 
the Creeks result? Where, in particular, were signs of hostility exhibited? Wli.it is 
said of Fort Mimms? [See Map, p. 368.— Where is Fort Mimms?] Give an account 
of the surprise of this fort. How many were massacred ? What measures were imme- 
diately taken ? How many divisions were to advance into the Creek country ? Who 
were the first in the field? To whom was their command given ? What did the In- 



1813] EXPEDITION AGAINST THE GREEKS. 369 

" the Sharp Knife". Jackson was soon on the "march. Tal- 
lus-hat'-chee was the first village attacked. The Red Men 
resisted, till nearly their whole number were killed or wound- 
ed. A severe struggle soon after took place at Tal-la-de^-ga, 
where a thousand Creeks were besieging some friendly In- 
dians. Forced marches brought Jackson, with 1200 men, 
withm 80 yards of their camp. The Creeks, taken at disad- 
vantage, tried to fly, but found themselves nearly surround- 
ed. Between two and three hundred were killed, with tri- 
fling loss on the part of the Americans ; the rest made good 
their escape to the mountains. 

The invading army now began to suffer from hunger. 
Supplies failed to arrive, and no food could be procured in 
the wilderness. A famishing soldier approached his general, 
and asked for something to eat. " I will divide with you," 
said Jackson, and drew from his pocket a handful of acorns. 
When it was seen that their ofticers fared no better than 
themselves, the troops bore their hardships with all possible 
patience. But at last extreme suffering led them to open 
mutiny^ and in defiance of orders they prepared to march 
to their homes. Then was exhibited the iron will of Gen. 
Jackson. He took post on horseback before the rebellious 
army, which had already begun to move. His left arm, 
shortly before shattered by a ball, was still disabled, but his 
right grasped a musket, which he rested on his horse's neck, 
declaring that he would shoot down the first who advanced. 
The brave men, Avho had not feared a thousand Creeks, were 
awed by the determined front of their intrepid commander. 
No one offered to advance, and after a short consultation 
they agreed to postpone then- departure. 

494. About the middle of November a number of hostile 
towns on the Tallapoosa were sur^^rised. Towards the end 



dians call Jackson ? What was the first village attacked ? [See Map.— Where was Tal- 
lushatchee ? What forts were in its vicinity ?] What is said of the resistance of the 
Creeks ? Where did the next severe struggle take place ? [Near what river is Talla- 
dega ? Describe the Coosa. The Tallapoosa,] Relate the particulars of the battle of 
Talladega. How many Indians were killed ? From what did the invading army now 
suifer ? What passed between Jackson and a hungry soldier ? To what were the men 
at last led by their sufferings ? Tell how Jackson put down the mutiny. 494. What 

16* 



370 Madison's administration. [isis 

of tlie month,- Gen. Floyd, advancing from the east with his 
Georgia division, reached that part of the enemy's country 
called "the Beloved Ground". Here the Indians rallied, 
inspired by their prophet with the behef that on " the Be- 
loved Ground" no foe could injure them. After obstinately 
raaintaming the conflict for three hours, they gave way, 
leaving two of theii- principal chiefs and nearly 200 men 
upon the field. 

Jackson was for a time prevented from active operations 
by the return of most of his companies, who claimed that 
their time of enlistment hadexj^ired; but by vigorous efforts 
he was reinforced in time to recommence the campaign with 
the opening of spring [1814]. A thousand warriors, with 
their women and children, had congregated at the Horse- 
slioe Bend of the Tallapoosa, where they were nearly encir- 
cled by the river, the narrow isthmus in front being defended 
by a breastwork of logs; and on the 27th of March, the 
American army appeared before their encampment. A strong 
detachment was stationed around the Bend to prevent the 
escape of the Indians, while a heavy cannonade was com- 
menced in fi'ont. The order to storm was soon given. The 
log defences were scattered, and the encampment became a 
scene of terrible carnage. Hemmed in on all sides and dis- 
daining to surrender, the doomed Creeks fought with the 
energy of despair. Not till 557 of their number, including 
many noted chiefs, and Man-a-hoe', their great prophet, were 
stretched in death upon the field, did the battle cease. Be- 
sides a few friendly Indians, Jackson lost 26 men killed and 
106 wounded. This decisive victory ended the Creek War. 
The power of the Muscogees was broken. A peace was soon 
after concluded with their few surviving chiefs, on terms 
dictated by the United States. 

took place about the middle of November ? Prom what direction was Gen. Floyd ad- 
vancing? What place did he at length reach? [See Map.— Where was "the Beloved 
Ground"?] AVhat did the Indians belie\e respecting this spot? Describe the battle 
that took place there. What kept Jackson for a time from active operations? When 
was he reinforced? What battle ended tlie Creek War? [See Map. p. 368.— In what 
direction was the, Horse-slioe Bend from "the Beloved Ground"?] How many Creeks 
were congregated tliere ? What was their position ? Give an account of the battle. 
How many Indians perished ? What was Jacksou's loss ? What was the consequence 



1813] Wilkinson's invasions of canada. 371 

495. The reverses already experienced did not deter the 
Americans from again attempting the invasion of Canada. 
In the fall of 1813, Gen. Wilkinson, who had succeeded Dear- 
born in the chief command, undertook an expedition against 
Montreal, in conjunction with Gen. Hampton, who was to 
advance with the army ofthe north from Plattsburg. Hamp- 
ton's men penetrated into the enemy's country ; and Wilkin- 
son's division descended the St. Lawrence some distance, 
under cover of a detachment which bravely met the enemy 
at Chrysler's Field ; but mutual jealousy, difficulties of trans- 
portation, and the lateness of the season, finally led to the 
abandonment of the enterprise. The force left meanwhile 
on the Niagara frontier was so inadequate to its defence that 
it was deemed prudent to evacuate Fort George [Dec. 12]. 
Before this was done, the town of Newark was reduced to 
ashes ; an act which the British soon after retaUated by 
burning Youngsto^vn, Lewiston, Black Rock, and Buffalo. 
In March, 1814, Wilkinson attempted a second invasion with 
4,000 men ; but he was repulsed at the first point which he 
attacked, and obliged hastily to retreat. Though acquitted 
by a court-martial, he was shortly afterwards superseded by 
Gen. Iz^ard. 



CHAPTER yil. 

MADISON'S ADMINISTEATION (CONTINUED), 1814 TO 1817. 

496. At the commencement of the year 1814, the Ameri- 
can government was informed that Great Britain, though it 
dech^ned the offer of Russian mediation, was ^^dlling to enter 
on direct negotiations for peace ; the president accordingly 
appointed commissioners to meet the representatives of Eng- 
land. Both parties, however, prepared none the less vigor- 

of this victory ' 495. Who, meanwhile, had succeeded Dearborn ? What attempt was 
inade by Gen. Wilkinson in the fall of 1813? By whom was he to be aided? What 
was accomijlisbed ? What led to the abandonment of the enterprise ? Meanwhde, what 
was takin- place on the Niagara frontier? How did the British retaliate? What was 
done by W ilkinson in March^ 1814 ? By whom was he at length superseded ? 
496. 'what information did the American government receive early in 1S14? What 



372 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 



[1814- 



ously to continue the war. Congress authorized a loan of 
$25,000,000 ; while Britain, on the abdication of Naj^oleon, 
sent over 14^000 veterans, to aid in the defence of Canada. 

49'7. The naval operations of the United States during 
1814 were neither so extensive nor so successful as in the 
two previous years. In consequence of the close blockade 
of the coast by British cruisers, it was difficult for American 
vessels to leave port or bring in their prizes. The Essex, in 
which, during the summer of 1813, Commodore Porter ran 
the triumphant career already described, was attacked [March 
28] in the harbor of Y-alparaiso \yahl-pa-Qn'-so\ by the Brit- 
ish brig Phoebe and sloop-of-war Cherub. Against such odds 
even Porter's skill and bravery were unavailing ; and, after 
a gallant fight and a vain attempt to run his vessel ashore, 
he had to surrender. " We have been unfortunate, but not 
disgraced," wrote Porter to the head of the navy depait- 
ment. The American vessels, FroUc, Rattlesnake, and Syren, 
were also taken 
by the enemy ; 
while, on the 
other hand, the 
British brig E- 
pervier [a-pare- 
ve-d''] struck her 
colors to the Pea- 
cock, and the 
Reindeer was 
captured by the 
Wasp. The lar- 
ger American 
men-of-war be- 
ing kept in port 
by the blockade, most of their crews were sent to aid Commo- 
dore Chauncey on Lake Ontario. 

action was taken by the president ? What preparations were made by both govern- 
ments? 497. What is said of the naval operations of the United States in 1814? What 
was the effect of the blockade of the coast by the British ? Give an account of the 
capture of the Essex. What did Commodore Porter write to the secretary of the navy? 
What other American vessels were taken ? What British vessels were captured ? Wher* 




ENGAGEMENT OP THK WASP AND REINDEER. 



183 4:] BATTLE OF LUNDy's LANE. 373 

498. On the 3d of July, 1814, Gen. Brown, who had march- 
ed from Sackett's Harbor, crossed the Niagara River with 
3,500 men. Fort Erie surrendered, and the Americans moved 
on to Chippewa [see Map, p. 351]. Here the main body of 
the enemy was posted, and a general action commenced. 
Both parties displayed great gallantry; but the unerring 
fire of Gen. Scott's and Major Jessup's men drove the vet- 
erans whom Wellington had often led to victory, behind 
theii' works, and the whole force of the enemy fell back on 
Fort George, abandoning their intermediate posts. General 
Brown, after pursuing them as far as Queenstown Heights, 
encamped at Chippewa. The American loss in this battle 
was about 300 ; that of the British was nearly twice as great. 

499. On the 25th of July, Scott's brigade was detailed to 
watch the movements of a division of the enemy. On ap- 
proaching the Falls of Niagara, the Americans suddenly 
found themselves in the presence of the whole British army, 
which was advantageously posted for a pitched battle. Has- 
tily sending word to Gen. Brown, Scott soon had his artillery 
at work, and maintained his ground in the most heroic man- 
ner. He was ably seconded by Jessup, who, by a masterly 
movement, gained the British rear, and made prisoners of 
Gen. Riall and his suite. Soon after dark, Ripley's brigade 
arrived on the field, afibrding timely relief to Scott's exhaust- 
ed troops. A tremendous fire was still kept up by the ene- 
my from a commanding height defended by a battery. Un- 
less this height was carried, Gen. Ripley could see no chance 
of victory. The effort was almost hopeless, but he resolved 
that it should be made. Col. Miller was selected to lead the 
desperate charge. " Can you take that battery ?" asked the 
commander. " I will try, sir," was the reply. Steadily up 

were most of the crews of the larger vessels sent ? 498. What movement was made by 
Gen. Brown, July 3, 1814? What fort did he take? Whither did he then proceed? 
See Map, p. 351.— How is Fort Erie situated ? How is Chippewa situated ? What isl- 
md in the Niagara opposite to it ?] What ensued? Describe the battle of Chippewa. 
To what post did the enemy fall back ? How far did Gen. Brown pursue them ? Where 
iid he encamp? What Avas the loss on each side? 499. What occurred July 25th? 
See Map, p. 351.— Where did this battle take place ? What river south of Lundy's Lane ? 
Vhat island a little above it in the Niagara Eiver ?] What did Gen. Scott do? What 
achievement was performed by Major Jessup? Who came up soon after dark to their 



374 



MADISON S ADMINISTRATION. 



[1814 



the hill toiled the fearless leader at the head of his regiment. 
A hot fire was poured upon them; but they closed their 
ranks, and gallantly moved on. In a few moments the bat- 
tery was in their hands, and the retreating enemy were fired 
upon with their own guns. Three times the British raUied 
for theu' recapture, and three times were they repulsed. At 
midnight they gave up their efforts, and left the Americans 
in possession of the field. This battle of Lundy's Lane, or 
Bridgewater, was one of the most hotly contested actions 
ever fought in the new world. Three thousand Americans, 
and 4,500 British took part in it. The former lost 743 in 
killed and wounded ; the latter, 878. 

500. After gaining this victory, the Americans retired to 
Fort Erie, where in a few days they were besieged by the 
British army, now reinforced to 4,000 men. A heavy bom- 
bardment and midnight as- 
sault, in which the enemy lost 
nearly a thousand men, were 
successfiilly resisted ; and fi- 
nally the bel'eaguered garri- 
son, making a bold sortie, de- 
stroyed the hostile batteries, 
and drove the enemy towards 
Chippewa. Thus successfully 
closing a campaign, which, 
though productive of no per- 
manent advantages, was ev- 
ery way glorious to America, 
Brown destroyed Fort Erie, 
and led his men into winter- 
quarters at Buffalo. 

501. Gen. Brown was not 
alone in his success. About the 
1st of September, Sir George 

support ? Give an account of Col. Miller's brilliant charge. How often did tbe British 
attempt to recapture this battery ? Who remained masters of the field? What is said 
of the battle of Lundy's Lane? How many on each side were engaged in it? What 
was the loss ? 500. Whither did the Americans retire ? What befell them at Fort Erie ? 
Give an account of the siege and its termination. Where did the Americans winter? 




PLATTSBTJRG AND THE VIOrNTTy. 



1814:] PREVOSt's invasion OF NEW YORK. 375 

Prevost, taking advantage of the absence of Gen. Izard and 
his army, who had moved towards Sackett's Harbor, crossed 
tlie northern boundary of the state of New York, with the 
view of penetrating to the Hudson by way of Lake Cham- 
plain. Gen. Macomb [ma-Jcoom'], who was in command at 
Plattsburg, hastily coUected the militia of the vicinity, en- 
roUing even boys who were large enough to handle a musket. 
He was too weak, however, to prevent the advance of the 
enemy; and, as they approached, he crossed the Sar'-a-nac, 
taking up the planks of the bridges behind him. Prevost 
entered Plattsburg on the 10th, and there waited to be 
joined by a naval force under Commodore Down'-ie, consist- 
ing of 17 vessels carrymg 95 guns, which was advancing into 
the lake by the So-reF River. . ,_ .,_ _ 

Commodore Mc- 
Donough [mar- 

don'-o], a native 

of DelaAvare, now 

about 30 years of 

age, commanded 

for the TJ. S. on ^^ 

Lake Champlain. 

By incredible ex- 
ertions he had got 

together 14 vessels, 

mounting 86 guns; 

one of which, a 

brig, he built in 

twenty days from timber gro\vmg on the bank of the lake. 

On the nth of September, Downie, who had boasted that 

Avith his flag-vessel alone he could destroy the whole Amen- 

can squadron, was seen advancing towards Plattsburg. The 

shore of the lake and the rooftops of t he town were crowded 

501. WhatenterpriseM-as undertaken by Prevost? When? "^^^^^^^^^'f. ^'^=^1 
rSee Map, p. 374 -How is Plattsburg situated? What river near it? What was the 
Srcefio n''o^f Prevosfs route ?] Who was in coxuxnand at Plattsburg ^hat f ps did 
be take? When did Prevost enter Plattsburg? For what dad he then wait? Who 
commanded for the IT. S. on Lake Champlain? How large a force had McDonough 
raised' When did Downie make his appearance? What boast had he made? How 




BIRTH-PLACE OF COMMODOKE MODONOTTGn. 



376 Madison's administration. [i814. 

with spectators, who awaited with palpitating hearts the 
issue of the engagement. McDonongh, who had drawn up 
his Httle fleet in a favorable position across the mouth of the 
harbor and had publicly asked the blessing of God on his 
efforts in defence of his country, opened a fii'e as the enemy 
approached. The British had heavier cannon than the 
Americans ; but their gunners, though taken in part from 
men-of-war at Quebec, were neither as quick in their move- 
ments nor as accurate in their aim as McDonough's. The 
hottest fire was maintained between the vessels which bore 
the two commanders ; and the American flag-ship, the Sara- 
toga, was at length completely disabled on the side presented 
to the enemy. McDonough then had recourse to the inge- 
nious expedient of wearing his vessel round, to bring the 
other side into play. The enemy, who had also suffered se- 
verely, attempted the same movement, but Avithout success ; 
and within two hours and a half after the action commenced, 
the whole British fleet struck. The American loss was 158 
in killed and wounded; that of the British, about 200, inclu- 
ding Downie himself. 

During the battle on the lake, Prevost's army attempted 
to cross the Saranac at several different points, but were re- 
pulsed by the Americans. On the surrender of the fleet, 
they gave up all further efforts. Prevost was seized with 
terror ; and that same night, in the midst of a heavy rain, 
he made a hasty retreat, leaving his sick and wounded behind 
him, together with large quantities of military stores. Many 
of his troops deserted. One company of 400 men marched 
to the American camp, preceded by a band of music. It is 
computed that the loss of the enemy in this expedition was 
not far short of 3,000 men. 

502. The British did not confine their operations to the 
northern frontier. The Atlantic coast had been blockaded 
throughout the year by a strong fleet under Lord Cockburn, 

had McDonough posted his vessels ? How did the two fleets compare in guns and men ? 
Give an account of the conflict between the two flag-vessels. What was the j-esult of 
the action ? State the loss on each side. During the eng.igement, what attempts were 
made by the British army ? With what success? What followed ? What is said of the 
desertions from Prevosfs army ? 502. What was the state of affairs on the Atlantic coast 







AKKIVAL OF GENERAL KOSS. 



377 



from which parties had been sent to various points, particu- 
larly on the Chesapeake, to plunder and devastate the coun- 
try. About the middle of August, 1814, Admiral Cochrane 
[cok'-ran] arrived off the coast of Virginia with 21 vessels, 
conveying Gen. Ross 







and four thousand vet- 
erans who had been 
trained on some of the 
most noted battle-fields 
of Europe. Before this 
overwhelming force, the 
small flotilla with which 
Com. Barney had tried 
to protect the coast re- 
treated up the Pa-tux''- 
ent, a river emptying 
into Chesapeake Bay 
just north of the Poto- 
mac. The British fleet 
divided, part ascending 
the Potomac, and a sec- 
ond division moving up 
the Chesapeake as if to 
attack Baltimore, while 
the remainder followed 
Barney into the Patux- 
ent, and anchored on 
the 19th of August at 

Benedict. Here Ross and his army disembarked. On the 
21st they set out on the river-road, and the next day reached 
Upper Marlborough [?na}'l'-bi(r-ro], 17 miles from Washing- 
ton. Near this point Barney had moored his boats ; blow- 
ing them up on the enemy's approach, he hastened with his 



WASHINGTON, BALTIMORE, AND THE VICINITY. 



throughout the year 1S14? About the middle of August, who arrived? Where did 
Commodore Barney retire ? Describe the movements of the British fleet. Where did 
Eoss and his army disembark ? [See Map.— Describe the Patuxent. How is Benedict 
situated ? On their march from Benedict to Bladensburg. what places did the British 
pass through ?] What was done by Commodore Barney ? AVhat did the enemy find 
along their whole route ? Where did they first encounter resistance ? What was the 



378 Madison's administration. [isi* 

marines to join Gen. Win^-cler, who was organizing a force 
for the defence of the capital. 

Consternation seized on the inhabitants ; and the enemy, 
cautiously advancing, found the whole line of their route 
deserted. The first resistance they encountered was [Au- 
gust 24] at Bla'-dens-burg, six miles northeast of Washing- 
ton, where their passage was disputed by an American army 
consisting mostly of militia hastily collected. The British 
soldiers were almost overcome by the intense heat; they 
charged with vigor, however, and at the first onset the 
American militia gave way in disorder, some without even 
discharging their muskets. Commodore Barney, with his 
eighteen-pounders, and Captain Miller's guns, double-loaded 
with canister, checked the enemy for a time ; but their men, 
exposed on the flank by the flight of the militia, were driven 
back, and both of these brave ofiicers fell into the hands of 
the enemy. The routed army carried terror with it to the 
capital. The city at this time contained 10,000 inhabitants, 
most of whom, including the president and his cabinet, has- 
tily retired. 

503. On the evening after the battle. Gen. Ross entered 
Washington. By the order of his government, he set fire 
to the capitol, the president's house, and other pubHc build- 
ings. Private property also sufiered to a considerable ex- 
tent. On the evening of the 25th the British left the city, 
and two days afterwards they reached their shipping in 
safety. Meanwhile the division of their fleet which had as- 
cended the Potomac passed Fort Washington, which was 
abandoned by its garrison and blo^vn up, and appeared be- 
fore Alexandria. To escape bombardment, the people of 
this place surrendered to the enemy 21 merchant-vessels, 
16,000 barrels of flour, 1,000 hogsheads of tobacco, and other 
articles. . 

504. These occurrences violently excited the whole Amer- 

condition of the British soldiers ? Give an account of the battle of Bladensburg. What 
was the population of Washington ? What did most of the inhabitants do ? 503. When 
did Koss enter Washington ? What barbarities did he commit ? After this, what did 
the British army do ? What was done by that part of the fleet which ascended the Po- 
tomac? [See Map, p. 377.— How is Fort Washington situated? IIow, Alexandria? 



1814] FALL OF GENERAL ROSS. 379 

ican people, and brought down heavy censure on the admin- 
istration. Gen. Armstrong, the secretary of war, indignant 
at the charges of inefficiency brought against him, resigned ; 
and the duties of his office were assumed by Monroe, the 
secretary of state. Great alarm prevailed in the seaboard 
cities. The militia were organized ; and defensive w^orks 
were throAvn up, on which citizens of all ranks, now for the 
first time laying party-spirit aside, labored with their own 
hands. At New York, $500,000 was nteded to put the city 
in a state of defence. The money could not be procured on 
the public credit ; and Gov. Tompkins was called upon by 
Senator King to raise it on his personal responsibility. The 
governor hesitated, on the ground that it might ruin him. 
" Then," said Mr. King, " ruin yourself, if it becomes neces-' 
sary, to save the country, and I pledge my honor that I will 
support you in whatever you do." Through the efforts of 
these two patriotic men, the necessary sum was obtained, 
and the city was made ready to receive the enemy. 

505. Encouraged by his success at Washington, Ross next 
proceeded against Baltimore, where a body of 10,000 militia- 
men had assembled. Gen. Smith, noted for his brave defence 
of Fort Mifflin in the Revolution, held the chief command. 
On the 12th of September, the British troops landed at 
Xorth Point, 14 miles from the city, while part of the fleet 
moved up the bay, to attack Fort McHenry, w^hich com- 
manded the channel. Soon after commencing their march 
towards Baltimore, they encountered some American sharp- 
shooters, and Gen. Ross T\dth several officers rode in front of 
his line to reconnoitre. Two mechanics of the city, belong- 
ing to one of the militia companies, immediately discharged 
their muskets at the party. Ross feU mortally wounded into 
the arms of an aid-de-camp ; and his horse, galloping wildly 
to the rear with his empty saddle wet with blood, told the 

What place a short distance below Alexandria ?] 504. What feelings did these events 
excite ? What change was made in the cabinet ? What was done in the seaboard cities ? 
How was the money needed for the fortification of New York raised ? 505. What place 
did Gen. Eoss next attack? What preparations had been made? Who commanded 
the Americans? Where did the British land? [See Map, p. 377. — Where is North 
Point? In what direction from Baltimore? On what river is Baltimore? In what 
direction from Washington ?] What movement was made by part of the fleet ? Give 



380 Madison's administration. [isi* 

melancholy story to his men. The two brave Americans fell 
amid a shower of balls. 

Ross's fall did not put -a stop to the attack. The British 
continued to advance, but, on coming Avithin reach of the 
American artillery, were met with a destructive fire. After 
maintaining their advanced position for more than an hour, 
the Americans fell back to high grounds in their rear, and 
there prepared for another encounter. The next day, the 
British again approached : but the resolute front of the 
Americans, added to the intelligence that their fleet could 
make no impression on Fort McHenry, deterred them from 
further attempts on the city ; and, taking advantage of the 
darkness of a stormy night, they retreated to their boats. 
During a bombardment of twenty-five hours, 1,500 shells had 
exploded around the fort, but only four of its defenders were 
killed. In the midst of the fire, the national song entitled 
"The Star-spangled Banner" was composed by Francis Keys, 
an American who w^as detained on board of one of the British 
ships. The people of Baltimore have since raised a marble 
monument to ther memory of those who fell in their defence, 
which, with another erected in honor of Washington, has 
procured for that place the name of " the Monumental City". 

506. The people of New England, most of whom had op- 
posed the war in consequence of its injurious effects on their 
commerce, in the summer of 1814 j^roposed holding a con- 
vention, to discuss the subject and agree upon such a course 
as their interests required. The bombardment of Stoning- 
ton, Connecticut, by a British fleet [August, 1814], and the 
danger of other places on the coast, gave weight to the sug- 
gestion. On the recommendation of the legislature of Mas- 
sachusetts, delegates from all the Eastern States met at Hart- 
ford on the loth of December. The Hartford Convention 
remained in session nearly three weeks with closed doors ; 

an account of Boss's fall. What became of the Americans who killed him? Give an 
account of the engagement. What led the British to give up their attempts? What is 
said of the attack on Fort McHenry? Under what circumstances wiis "The Star- 
spangled Banner" composed? Why is Baltimore called ''the Monumental City"? 
506. What was proposed in 1S14 by the people of New England? What gave weight 
to the suggestion ? Give an account of the Hartford Convention. How were those 



1814:] JACKSON INVADES FLORIDA. 381 

and, though its members seem to have aimed at nothing 
more than to hasten the termination of the "svar, yet their 
proceedings were regarded with suspicion and by some \TiO- 
lently condemned as treasonable. The war had become 
more popular with every American victory and every new 
outrage of the enemy. 

507. An invasion of the Southwest formed a prominent 
part of the plan which the British had marked out for their 
campaign. Jackson, who had been appointed to the com- 
mand in that quarter with the rank of major-general, heard 
towards the close of the summer that several British vessels 
had arrived at Pensacola, that the troops they conveyed had 
been allowed to land there by the Spanish authorities, and 
that the Creeks had been invited to join in an attack on the 
American posts in the vicinity. Hastening to Mobile, he 
found these statements true. On the 15th of September, an 
attack was made by a party of British and Lidians from 
Pensacola on Fort Bowyer [^o'-yer], which commanded the 
approaches to Mobile. With the loss of only eight men, 
Major Lawrence repulsed the enemy, destropngone of their 
ships and disabling 234 men. Jackson now felt justified in 
assuming the offensive. Reinforced by some mounted Ten- 
nesseeans, he marched into Florida and took Pensacola, the 
British blo^dng up the fort which they had occupied, and 
retreating to their vessels. Having thus accomplished the 
object of his enterprise, Jackson forthwith j^roceeded to New 
Orleans, now threatened by a formidable armament of the 
enemy. 

On arriving at Xew Orleans [December 2nd], Jackson 
found the people in great alarm. Some, believing it impos- 
sible to make good a defence, were even in favor of surren- 
dering. After Jackson's appearance, however, no such idea 
was entertained. He assumed the entire control of public 

■svlio took part in it regarded ? 507. What formed part of the British plan for the cam- 
paign of 1S14? Who commanded the Americans in the South? What did Jackson 
hear towards the close of summer ? Whither did he proceed ? What was done by the 
British on the 15th of September ? How were they received ? [See Map, p. 36S. — How 
is Mobile situated ?] How did Jackson retaliate ? Whither did he next proceed ? What 
did he find on arriving at New Orleans? Give an account of his measures. How is 



882 Madison's administration. ' [isi* 

affairs, placed the city under martial law, erected fortifica- 
tions, and organized and drilled the militia. He was at this 
time 47 years of age, and is described as "a tall gaunt man, 
of very erect carriage, with a countenance full of stern de- 
cision and fearless energy, but furrowed with care and anxi- 
ety. His complexion was sallow and unhealthy ; his hair 
was iron-gray, and his body thin and emaciated. But the 
fierce glare of his bright hawk-like gray eye betrayed a soul 
which triumphed over the infirmities of the body." He 
wore a short blue cloak, high dragoon boots " long ignorant 
of blacking", a small leather cap, and threadbare regimentals. 
508. Information respecting the designs of the British, had 
been obtained, among other sources, from Lafitte \lah-fif\ 
the chief of several hundred adventurers, charged mth be- 
ing pirates and smugglers, who occupied the Bay of Bar-a- 
ta'-ri-a, an inlet from the Gulf of Mexico just west of the 
Mississippi. Plundering Spanish merchant-vessels, through 
the connivance or indifference of the authorities of New 
Orleans they sold in that port the j)roducts of their bucca- 
neering voyages. Early in September, the British . com- 
mander at Pensacola, with the view of securing the aid of 
this company, had offered to receive them into his country's 
service, and unfolded to their leader the details of the in- 
tended attack. The latter sumptuously entertained the Brit- 
ish messenger at his luxurious home on one of the islands in 
the bay, but decUned his offers. Though an adventurer, 
Lafitte was no traitor. He had lived among the citizens of 
New Orleans ; and he resolved not to desert them in the 
hour of need. Laying before the authorities the information 
he had received, he offered, on condition of pardon for past 
offences, to lead his men to the defence of the city. After 
the invasion of his stronghold and the seizure of papers 
which confirmed his statements, his proposal was accepted, 
and the Baratarians did good service in the hard-fought bat 
ties that followed. 

Jackson described at this time? How was he dressed ? 508. From whom had infor- 
niation respecting the designs of the British been obtained? Give an account of La- 
fitte and Ins company. What proposition was made to them ? How was it met ? On 



1814:] THE BRITISH REACH THE MISSISSIPPI. 383 

509. On the 24th of November, the army destmed for the 
invasion of Louisiana was reviewed at Jamaica. It consist- 
ed of the force that had been serving in the Chesapeake, and 
strong reinforcements from Europe, making in all 50 vessels, 
carrying 1,000 guns, and, including some subsequent addi- 
tions, 12,000 troops, the flower of the British army. The 
chief command was intrusted to Sir Edward Packenham, a 
brother-in-law of the Duke of Wellington, and next to him 
the most distinguished of English mihtary leaders. The in- 
vaders had no doubt of their success. They had already 
organized a government for Louisiana, and carried with them 
a printing-press to announce the proclamations of the new 
authorities. Boldly entering Lake Borgne [born]^ the ene- 
my, on the 14th of December, captured a flotilla of gun- 
boats, which had been stationed there for the defence of the 
city. An unfrequented bayou, the guards of which, with a 
single exception, were captured, brought them to mthin a 
few miles of the Mississippi, and on the 22nd, their advanced 
guard reached the bank of that river nine miles from New 
Orleans. 

510. Within a few hours after Jackson received this in- 
telligence, he had 2,000 men in motion. Many of them 
werve from Tennessee, unerring marksmen, arrayed in home- 
spun, with slouched hats of wool or fur, and tomahawks in 
their deerskin belts. Shortly after dark [December 23rd], 
the Carolina, a schooner of 14 guns, drojDped down the river, 
and opened a destructive fire on the British camp. Generals 
Jackson and Cofiee followed up the attack in front. The 
darkness rendered it almost impossible to distinguish friend 
from foe, but both parties fought with the greatest bravery. 
At length, Jackson, finding himself unable to drive the en- 
emy from their position, withdrew his men, having lost 213, 
to over 300 killed and wounded on the part of the enemy. 

which side did Lafltte engage ? 509. Where did the invading force assemble for review ? 
Of what did it consist? By whom was it commanded ? What were the feelings of the 
British? What did they carry with them ? What lake did the enemy enter? Wiiat 
did they do on the 14th of December? How did they reach the Mississippi? What 
was their position on the 22nd ? 510. What did Jackson do on receiving this intelli-' 
gence ? Describe the Tennesseeans. How was the attack opened on the 23rd ? Give 



384 



MADISON S ADMINISTRATION. 



[1814 



The next day, he fell back to the Rodriguez [ro-dree'-gdth] 
Canal, where he determined to make a final stand. Extend- 
ing his hne from the river to an impassable swamp on the 








left, he threw np strong intrenchments, sent for the rest of 
his men from New Orleans, and ordered a detachment across 
the Mississippi, to prevent the enemy from reaching the city 
in that direction. 

Packenham having joined the army, and his preparations 
being completed, the invaders, on the 28th of December, 
made a vigorous attack on the American lines, but were re^ 
pulsed with a loss of nearly 200 men. A supply of heavy 
cannon was sent for from the fleet; and on the 1st of Janu- 
ary, 1815, having the night before planted batteries within 
400 yards of the American works, they opened a tremen- 
dous cannonade. A thick fog concealed their movements, 
till a terrific crash of balls from thirty guns of heavy calibre, 
together with hissing shells and glaring rockets, announced 

an account of Gen. Jackson's attack. What was the result? What position did Jack- 
son take the next day ? [S€e Map.— What was on Jackson's left? Who commanded 
there ? What was on Jackson's right ?] How did he strengthen his position ? What 
took place Dec. 28th ? What did the British then send for ? What took place on the 



1815] BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 385 

that a severe struggle was at hand. The Americans had 
only ten cannon ; but these were handled with such spuit 
that they were more than a match for those of the enemy. 
Both parties had made a mistake in constructing their works. 
The British had used hogsheads full of sugar, supposing that 
they would act like sand-bags ; but the well-aimed balls of 
the Americans shattered them to fragments, and spread de- 
struction around and behind. Jackson, in his breastwork, 
had used cotton bales, which seemed to answer the purpose, 
till a red-hot shot from the British set one of them on fire 
and scattered its blazing fragments among the barrels of pow- 
der which stood ready for use. The flames were extin- 
guished without accident ; but the cotton bales were taken 
out, and a breastwork of earth about five feet high, mth 
trusty rifles behind it, was the only defence employed in the 
conflicts that followed. The British, after a loss of 10 men 
to 34 on the j^art of the Americans, drew off their guns and 
fell back. 

511. Preparations were now made on both sides for a de- 
cisive battle. Gen. Lambert brought up a fresh division of 
British troops, which increased their number to 10,000 ; 
while Jackson, also reinforced, found himself in command of 
6,000 men, 3,200 of whom defended the breastwork. Before 
daylight on the 8th of January, a detachment was sent 
against the Americans on the right bank of the Mississippi, 
while the main body, led by Packenham in person, advanced 
to storm Jackson's position. As soon as they came within 
reach of the American cannon, a terrible fire thinned their 
ranks, but still they moved on in good order. " Stand to 
your guns," shouted Jackson, as they approached ; " don't 
waste your ammunition, see that every shot tells." In an- 
other moment, the order to fire was given. Under the 
murderous discharge that followed, the advancing column 
wavered. A fresh regiment, with Packenham at its head, 

1st ofJanuaiy,1815? How many cannon had the Americans? How were they han- 
dled? What mistake was made by the British in constructing their works ? ^hat, 
by the Americans? What was the result of the cannonade? 511. For what did both 
parties now prepare ? What was the force of each ? What was the first movement of 
the British on the 8th of January ? Who led the main body ? Give an account of the 

17 



386 



Madison's administration. 



[l815 



hastened to their support. All that brave men and expe- 
rienced leaders could do, Avas done ; but before those fatal 
rifles no foe could stand. Packenham had his right arm 
shattered, and his horse killed under him ; his broken ranks 
retired in confusion. 

The sun was now rising, and his early beams fell on the 
gleaming arms of a fresh division of British advancing to 
the attack. Again a cloud of smoke curled up from the 
breastwork, and again fearful havoc was made in the ranks 







THE BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 



of the assailants. Packenham, struck by a grape-shot, fell 
back into the arms of the same oflicer, who, under similar 
circumstances, received the body of Gen. Ross at Baltimore. 

first assault. How did it result ? Give an account of the second assault. What did 



1815] KETREAT OF THE BRITISH. 38T 

Though nearly every officer was disabled, the troops still 
pressed on. A few crossed the canal and ascended the par- 
apet, but fell before its vigilant defenders, most of them 
to rise no more. Gen. Lambert, who succeeded to the 
command, finding his army hopelessly defeated "svdth the loss 
of more than 2,000 men, hastened to retreat. He recalled 
the detachment on the opposite side of the Mississippi, 
which had driven back the Americans, and gained a position 
that would have been of great service in dislodging Jackson. 
The whole enterprise was abandoned, and the invading host 
returned to their shipping by a road which they cut along 
the Bayou to Lake Borgne. On both sides of the river, the 
American loss was but .27 in killed and wounded. On the 
20th of January, Jackson returned to New Oi-leans in tri- 
umph, where he was received with every possible demon- 
stration of joy and gratitude. 

512. When the brave deeds performed at New Orleans 
are mentioned, the intrepid conduct of a young British bu- 
gler should not be forgotten. The enemy's left, at the com- 
mencement of the engagement, advanced along the river, 
captured a redoubt, and moved steadily on towards the 
canal. Their bugler, a boy of only fourteen years, preceding 
the line to within 200 yards of the breastwork, climbed a 
tree and sounded " the charge" while his comrades stormed 
the intrenchments. A sheet of flame drove back the assail- 
ants. Men were mowed down; bullets and cannon-balls 
rained around, tearing oif the branches of the very tree on 
which the yomig musician was seated ; yet, paying no at- 
tention to the messengers of death, he continued to cheer on 
his countrymen with his wild music as calmly as if he were 
in camp. After they had retreated, an American soldier 
came forth from the lines and captured the boy, whose in- 
trepidity had attracted general attention. Officers and men 
crowded around him to express their hearty admiration. 

513. The battle of New Orleans closed the war. Nego- 
tiations had been going on for some months at Ghent in Bel- 
Gen. Lambert now find? What was he obliged to do? What was the lesson each 
side ? What did Jackson do on the 20th of January ? 512, Tell the story of the bravo 



388 Madison's administration. [isis 

gium, between John Quincy Adams [son of John Adams], 
Bayard, Russell, Clay, and Gallatm, on the part of the Uni- 
ted States, and commissioners appointed by Great Britain ; 
but the latter were so extravagant in their demands that for 
some time little progress was made. News of the defeats at 
Plattsburg and Baltimore at length altered their tone ; and 
on the 24th of December a satisfactory treaty of peace was 
signed. It said nothmg about the aggressions on American 
commerce and impressment of sailors on the high seas, w4iich 
had caused the war ; but it was tacitly understood that there 
would be no further difficulty on these points. The news 
reached America on the 11th of February, 1815 ; had it come 
a little sooner, it would have saved the British the disastrous 
repulse at New Orleans. On the day the intelligence ar- 
rived at Washington, Madison and his cabinet had separated 
in great despondency, unable to devise any effective meas- 
ures for the relief of their country, — no money in the treas- 
ury, a debt of $100,000,000, commerce destroyed, all kinds 
of industry depressed. Late at night a horseman was heard 
galloping through the streets of Washington, and the joy- 
ful cry of " Peace ! peace !" resounded on all sides. The 
treaty had been brought by a British vessel to New York, 
and the joyful news was soon circulated throughout the 
country. It was everywhere hailed with delight. Bells were 
rung, flags were hoisted, schools had holiday, and towns 
were illuminated. On the 18th of February, the treaty was 
ratified by the U. S. senate, and peace was proclaimed. 

514. The pecuniary affairs of the country were in a deplo- 
rable state. The banks generally had stopped payment. 
Specie was scarce, and there was no currency that com- 
manded the confidence of the people. For the convenience 
of government, Congress passed a bill incorporating a na- 



little bugler. 513. What had been going on for some months? Name the American 
commissioners. What tone was at first assumed by the British? What altered their 
views? When was peace concluded? What difficulties had caused the war? How 
were they settled hj the treaty ? When did the news of peace reach America ? Under 
what circumstances had the cabinet last separated ? How was the news announced in 
Washington? How was it received throughout the country? When was the treaty 
ratified? 514. Describe the pecuniary condition of the United States. G-ive an account 



1815] DECATUK HUMBLES THE BARBARY STATES. 389 

tional bank with $30,000,000 capital. This was vetoed by the 
president ; but at the next session of Congress an institution 
was chartered mth a capital of $35,000,000. It commenced 
operations at Philadelphia, on the 4th of March, 1817, and 
■with its branches in other cities supplied the country with a 
uniform currency, redeemable at all times with gold and silver. 

515. In May, 1815, Decatur was sent with a squadron to 
punish the Algerines, who had taken advantage of the war 
with England to renew their depredations on American com- 
merce. On the l7th of June, he encountered, in the Medi- 
terranean, the largest vessel in the Algerine navy, and cap- 
tured her after a running fight of 25 minutes. He soon 
after appeared before Algiers, when the dey at once agreed 
to liberate the American prisoners in his hands, to make full 
indemnification for the losses he had occasioned, and to re- 
Imquish all claims to tribute for the future. Decatur next 
proceeded to Tunis and Tripoli, where he obtained similar 
concessions and exacted pay for American vessels which the 
Enghsh had been allowed to take in their harbors. Since 
pursuing this decided course, the United States have had no 
difiiculty with the pirates of Barbary. 

516. Nothing remains to be noticed in Madison's eventful 
administration, except the admission of Indiana as a member 
of the confederacy in December, 1816, and the formation of 
the Colonization Society about the same time. The object 
of tliis association, which embraced among its members 
many distinguished statesmen, was to provide a happy home 
for free persons of color, where they could enjoy the right 
of self-government. A favorable position was finally select- 
ed on the coast of Africa. The name of Liberia was given 
to the colony, and its capital was called Monrovia, after 
President Monroe. To this place many emigrants have from 
time to time found their way, and a flourishing colony has 
grown up. 

of the two attempts to establish a national bank. 515. What expedition was sent out 
in May, 1S15? What was the first victory gained by Decatur? How did he humble 
the dey of Algiers ? Where did Decatur next proceed ? What did he exact from the 
bashaws? 516. When was Indiana admitted? Give an account of the origin and ob- 
jects of the Colonization Society. What has it effected ? 



390 Monroe's administration. [1817 



CHAPTER VIII. 

MONROE'S ADMIiaSTRATION, 1817 TO 1825. 

517. Ox the 4th of March, 1817, James Monroe became 
president of the United States, and Daniel D. Tompkins, of 
New York, vice-president. Born in Virginia in 1759, Mon- 
roe served in the Revolutionary War, and after its termina- 
tion was successively a member of both houses of Congress, 
governor of Virginia, and minister to France and England. 
The new president followed the same general policy as his 
predecessor. He called John Quincy Adams from the Brit- 
ish court, where he had resided as minister since the war, to 
become his secretary of state, and Wm. H. Crawford, of 
Georgia, was placed at the head of the treasury department. 
In December, 1817, John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina, was 
appointed secretary of war, and William Wirt, of Maryland, 
attorney-general. Early in his term, Monroe made a tour 
through New England and the northwest, and was well re- 
ceived by the people. The violence of party-spirit had now 
subsided, and the federalists no longer opposed the measures 
of the administration. A plan was devised in Congress for 
paymg the public debt, which in a few }^ears accomplished 
that important object. Towards the close of 1817, the atten- 
tion of government was called to Amelia Island, on the Flor- 
ida coast, a rendezvous for buccaneers, who, pretending to 
sail under the flag of the vSouth American republics, made 
free with whatever they found on the ocean. In November, 
a body of U. S. troops took possession of their haunts ; and 
soon after a similar establishment on Galveston Island, Texas, 
was also broken up. 

518. The public mind began about this time to realize the 
necessity of internal improvements. It was obvious that 

517. Who became president and vice-president on tlie 4th of March, 1817? What is 
said of Monroe's previous history? Whom did he make secretary of state? Whom, 
secretary of the treasury? Who were admitted to his cabinet in December, 1S17? 
What parts of the country did Monroe visit ? How was he received ? What is said of 
party spirit? What plan was devised by Congress? Give an account of the bucca^ 



i8it] inteknal improvements. 391 

roads and canals, connecting distant portions of the Union, 
and bringing its remoter parts within reach of a market, 
would greatly augment the wealth and strength of the coun- 
try. To the importance of these works Monroe was fully 
alive ; but, like Jefferson and Madison, he beUeved that the 
constitution gave the general government no authority to 
engage in them. Congress after some discussion agreed 
Avith him, but made appropriations for a great national road 
across the Alleghanies, from . Cumberland to Wheeling, this 
having been promised by the United States at the time that 
Ohio came into the Union. Several military roads were also 
opened. 

This constitutional difficulty, however, did not apply to the 
individual states, w^hich vigorously undertook the work of 
improvement. Surveys were made, roads w^ere constructed 
in all directions, and facilities for travel and transportation 
w^ere increased. In carrymg on these enterprises. New York 
was among the foremost. Under the auspices of De Witt 
Clinton and other public-spirited men, a bill was passed by 
the legislature of that state authorizing the construction of a 
canal, 363 miles long, to connect Lake Erie, at Buffalo, with 
the Hudson, at Albany. The work was commenced in July, 
1817, and was not comj^leted till the summer of 1825. The 
Erie Canal w^as 40 feet wdde, contained 83 locks built of solid 
masonry, to raise or lower the boats as required by the face 
of the country, crossed the Genesee once and the Mohawk 
twice by means of aqueducts, and originally cost $7,602,000. 
About the same time, a canal, connecting Lake Champlain 
wdth the Hudson, was finished ; and in November, 1825, the 
completion of these works w^as celebrated by the firing of 
cannon and public rejoicings. They gave an impetus to 
trade which w^as felt throughout the whole northern and 
western country. 

neering establishments on the coast What became of them? 518. To what was pub- 
lic attention now forcibly drawn ? What were Monroe's views on the subject of inter- 
nal imprrovements? Wliat was done by Congress ? How was it with the individual 
states ? What state was among the foremost in carrying on these works ? What bill 
was passed by the N. Y. legislature ? Under whose auspices ? When was the Erie 
Canal commenced ? When was it completed ? Describe the Erie Canal What other 
canal was finished about the same time? How was their completion celebrated ? What 



392 moneoe's administration. [isit 

519. In the summer of 1817, the Seminoles, a powerful 
tribe living within the Sj)anish territory on the borders of 
Georgia and Alabama, joined by some runaway negroes and 
refugee Creeks, commenced a series of depredations on the 
frontier settlements. Gen. Gaines, who commanded a post 
on the Flint River, destroyed several of their villages ; but 
he encountered so fierce a resistance that Jackson was or- 
dered into service, with volunteers from Tennessee, who 
were always ready to follow this favorite leader. In March, 
1818, having spent several months in organizing his forces 
and securing provisions, Jackson took the field with his 
brave Tennesseeans, some friendly Creeks, and the regulars 
already at the seat of war. He burned a number of Semi- 
nole towns, drove the enemy before him, and seized on their 
corn and cattle. It was obvious to Jackson that the Indians 
had been instigated by the Spaniards of Florida, and two 
British subjects who had supplied them with arms and am- 
munition. The former he punished by seizing their forts at 
St. Marks and Pensacola, and sending the officers in com- 
mand to Havana. The latter were tried by a court-martial, 
found guilty, and executed. Two refugee Creek chiefs and 
a pretended prophet, who had helped to stir up the war, 
were also taken and hanged. Though the American army 
was unable to penetrate to the more southerly villages, hos- 
tilities were for a time suppressed. 

The course of Gen. Jackson in invading the territory of a 
nation with which the United States was at peace, was con- 
demned by some, and at first even the cabinet were disposed 
to pronounce it arbitrary and unauthorized. The secretary 
of state, however, convinced them that Jackson had done 
no more than was necessary to carry out the orders of gov- 
ernment. A committee of Congress, which investigated the 
transactions in question, absolved the hero of New Orleans 
from all blame. The British government, on healing of the 

was their effect ? 519. By whom was the southern frontier harassed in 1S17 ? How did 
Gen. Gaines punish the Indians? Who was sent to his assistance? Give an account 
of Jackson's operations. By whom did it appear that the Seminoles were instigated? 
How did Jackson puni!>h the Spaniards? How, the two British subjects? Who else 
were hanged ? How was Jackson's invasion of Florida regarded by some? By whom 



1818] CESSION OF FLORIDA TO THE U. STATES. 393 

summary execution of two of their subjects, weie at first 
loud in their demands for satisfaction ; but Mr. Adams' argu- 
ments convinced them also of the propriety of what had 
been done. On the close of the Congressional investigation, 
Jackson \4sited the principal cities of the Union, and was 
received with an enthusiasm which showed that the people 
heartily approved of his conduct. 

520. Two important treaties were made in the early part 
of Monroe's administration : one with England (Oct. 1818), 
which settled part of the boundary between the British Pos- 
sessions and the U. S., and secured to the citizens of the latter 
the privilege of taking fish on the coast of Newfoundland ; 
the other with Spain (February 22, 1819), which disposed 
of still more important questions. Difiiculties had been an- 
ticipated in this quarter, in consequence of the seizure of the 
posts in Florida; but, through the skilful management of the 
secretary of state, not only was good feeling restored, but the 
Spanish government was induced to cede East and West 
Florida to the U. S., the latter, on its part, relinquishing aU 
claim to Texas and agreeing to meet the demands of Amer- 
ican citizens on Spain, for commercial depredations, to the 
amount of $5,000,000. This treaty Avas considered highly 
advantageous and unanimously ratified by the senate. 

521. During Monroe's administration, five new states were 
admitted into the Union : Mississippi, in 1817; Illinois, which 
since the war had become rapidly settled, in 1818 ; Alabama, 
originally embraced in Mississippi Territory, in 1819 ; Maine, 
before included in the commonwealth of Massachusetts, in 
1820; and Missouri, part of the territory of Lousiana pur- 
chased from Napoleon, in 1821. The admission of Missouri 
was preceded by violent debates in Congress, which agitated 
the whole country. Some insisted on the prohibition of sla- 

was it defended ? What was the result of the investigation by Congress ? Hew was 
the intelligence received by the British government ? How was it shown that the 
people approved of Jackson's course? 520. What important treaties were made in the 
early part of Monroe's administration? What had been apprehended ? Who conducted 
the negotiations with Spain ? What did Mr. Adams induce the Spanish government to 
do? On what terms was Florida obtained ? How was this treaty regarded ? 521. Name 
the new states admitted during Monroe's administration and the dates. By wliat was 
the admission of Missouri preceded ? What different views were taken on this subject? 

17* 



394 M0^' roe's admixistratiox. [isai 

Tery Tritbin its limits as a condition of entrance into the con- 
federacy ; wliile others maintained that it was the right of 
eyery state to detennine for itself, on coming into the Union, 
whether it would be slaye or fi-ee. A bill, known as the Mis- 
souri Compromise^ was at length introduced by Mr. Clay, to 
the effect that slayery should be allowed in ^Missouri, and all 
states that might be formed south of latitude 36 degrees 30 
minutes, which parallel forms its southern boimdary, — but 
should be forbidden in the territory north of this hue and 
west of Missouri. This compromise was genei^lly acceptable; 
it was passed by Congress, and remained in force till 1856. 

522. At the commencement of Mcmroe's term, the country 
had jiLst begun to rally from the depression occasioned by 
the war ; and, duiing the three years that followed, it en- 
joyed uninterrupted prosperity. As a natural consequence, 
the president stood high in the affections of the people. His 
popularity was mcreased by his endeayors to harmonize op- 
posing parties, as well as by his urgent recommendation, 
promptly acted on by Congress, that proyision should be 
made for the surviying patriots who had seryed in the Reyo- 
lutionary War. He was accordingly reelected almost unan- 
imously, and commenced his second term on the 5th of 
March, 1821. The seyenteenth Congress, which assembled 
in the following December, contained seyeral new members 
who afterwards became distinguished; among these were 
Martin Tan Buren, of Xew York, and Thomas H. Benton, 
of Missouri. Florida was organized as a teriitory, and An- 
drew-Jackson was appointed its first goyernor. 

523. The South Ameiican proyinces, which from the time 
of Pizarro had remained subject to the Spanish crown, early 
in the present century followed the example of the Xorth 
American colonies, asserting then* independence and finally 
establishing it by force of arms. While the struggle was 

How was the question settled ? What was the substance of the Missouri Compromise ? 
How long did it remain in force ? 522. What was the stat« of the country during Mon- 
roe's adrainiitration ? How did the people feel towards the president ? What increased 
his popularity '? What was the result of the election in 1S20!' What new members 
appeared in the seventeenth Congress ? What new territorj- was organized ? Who was 
the first governor of Florida? 523. What struggle was going on me.tnwhile in South 



ISaa] THE MONEOE DOCTRINE. 395 

pending, Clay, who sympathized deeply Tvith the oppressed 
provinces, strove with his transcendent eloquence to induce 
Congress to recognize their independence. His efforts at 
first failed, as Congress distrusted their success ; but his 
speeches were read at the head of the patriot armies, and 
encouraged them to persev-ere in then* struggle for Hberty. 
At length, in March, 1822, the bill was passed with but one 
dissenting voice. The president heartily joined in the rec- 
ognition of their independence, and the following year went 
so far as to declare in his message that ' the American con- 
tinents were thenceforth not to be considered as subjects for 
future colonization by any European power'. This is the 
famous Monroe doctrine^ which has since been advocated by 
many of our countrymen. 

524. About the year 1820, American commerce suffered 
much from pirates, who infested the southern waters and 
made then- haimts on the coast of Cuba. As the Spanish 
authorities made no effort to disperse them, the U. S. gov- 
ernment took the matter in hand. The frigate Congress and 
eig^ht smaller vessels were stationed about Florida, and in 
the course of 1822 about 20 piratical vessels were captured 
and destroyed. The Peacock and some more small vessels 
were dispatched to the scene of action in December, 1822, 
the whole being placed under the command of Commodore 
Porter. With his usual energy, Porter scoured the infested 
waters, till he assui*ed himself that not a single piratical craft 
was left afloat. 

525. The people of the United States were much gratified 
in the summer of 1824 by the arrival of La Fayette, on a 
visit to the land for whose liberty he had fought and bled. 
He was received as the nation's guest, and warmly welcomed, 
not only by the honored patriots who had battled by his side, 
but also by a later generation that had leaiTied fi'om their 
fathers his claims to then* gratitude and love. Traversing 

America? What efforts were made by Clav? What success did they at first meet 
with? When was the bill finally passed ? What doctrine was put forth by the presi- 
dent? Bv what name is It now known? 524. From what did American commerce 
suffer in lc-20? What measures were taken against the pirates? 525. Who visited the 
U. S. in 1824 ? How was he received ? What were objects of peculiar interest to La 



396 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. 



[1834: 



tlie Union, he belield with indescribable emotion the strength 
and prosperity of a country which he had left struggling for 
its very existence. The battle-fields hallowed by patriot- 
blood were to him objects of peculiar interest; and on Bun- 
ker Hill, just fifty years after the conflict that made it memo- 
rable, he laid the corner-stone of the monument which still 
rears its head to mark that glorious spot. Everywhere the 
illustrious visitor received the homage of a grateful nation. 
Congress voted him $200,000 and a township of land in 
Florida, in token that his services were not forgotten. 

After spending several weeks with President Adams, La 
Fayette, in September, 1825, bade a mournful adieu to the 
nation, and set sail in the frigate Brandywine, which had 
been so named in honor of his first battle for freedom and 
was now placed at his disposal to convey him to France. 
Before leaving, he paid a parting visit to Mount Vernon, and 
the grave which contained all that remained of his beloved 
friend. Overcome by tender recollections, the great patriot 




Fayette ? Of what did he lay the corner-stone ? How did Congress show its gratitude 
to La Fayette ? With whom did La Fayette spend several weeks ? When did he leave ? 
How was he conveyed to France? Describe his visit to Mount Vernon. How long did 



ISas] CLOSE OF HIS TEEM. 397 

of France wept long over the dust of the great patriot of 
America. — La Fayette hved till 1834, prominent in the po- 
litical history of his country, and to the last the consistent 
friend of virtue and freedom. 

526. The close of Monroe's second term found the country 
still more prosperous than its commencement. Military and 
naval defences had been constructed ; the rights and charac- 
ter of the nation had been sustained abroad ; the dominion 
of the IT. S. had extended on the south and west; civilization 
had spread among the Indians, and $60,000,000 of the na- 
tional debt had been paid. It now became necessary to 
choose a successor to the presidency. Four candidates ap- 
peared in the field : Gen. Jackson, of Tenn. ; John Quincy 
Adams, of Mass. ; William H. Crawford, of Ga. ; and Henry 
Clay, of Kentucky. The first received 99 electoral votes ; 
but, this not being a majority, the choice devolved on the 
house of representatives. This body conferred the presi- 
dency on Mr. Adams, who was inaugurated March 4th, 1825. 
John C. Calhoun, of S. C, had been chosen vice-president by 
the electoral college. 



CHAPTER IX. 

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS' ADJVONISTKATION, 1825-9. 

527. John Quincy Adams was born at Braintree, Mass., 
on the 11th of July, 1767. At the age of nine, he heard 
the Declaration of Independence read from the state-house 
in Boston. Two years afterwards he started for the old 
world with his father, John Adams, whose patriotic career 
we have already traced. Accompanying his father to France 
and Holland, thence traversing the continent to St. Peters- 
burg where he acted as secretary to the American minister, 

La Fayette live? 526. .What was the state of the country at the close of Monroe's sec- 
ond term ? What had been effected? Name the candidates for the presidency in 1824. 
Who received the most votes? On whom did the choice devolve? Who was elected 
president ? Who, vice-president ? 



398 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. [l836 

and on his return passing through Sweden and Denmark, the 
young Adams, though his education was thus irregular, en- 
joyed unusual opportunities of becommg acquainted with 
men and manners, and learning the routine of diplomatic 
business. On the appointment of his father as minister to 
England, he returned to his native country, and entered 
Harvard University, where he was graduated with distinc- 
tion in IV 8 7. The study and practice of law next engaged 
his attention; but, improving his leisure to publish some 
political papers, he became known as a statesman, was ap- 
pointed by Washmgton minister to Netherlands and Portu- 
gal, was transferred by his father to Prussia, was sent to the 
senate of Massachusetts and afterwards to the U. S. senate, 
was made minister to Russia by Madison, and afterwards, as 
we have seen, served as minister at the court of St. James, 
and secretary of state under Monroe. By this extended ex- 
perience was Mr. Adams qualified for the high office to which 
he was called ; and though, soon after his inauguration, the 
friends of Crawford and Jackson combined to oppose the 
administration and party-spirit once more became violent, 
yet the country enjoyed undiminished prosperity. Henry 
Clay served as secretary of state throughout the whole of 
Mr. Adams' term. 

528. On the 4th of July, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of 
the declaration of that independence which they had helped 
to establish, among the rejoicings of their countrymen, and 
while their own names were on every tongue, expired two of 
the truest benefactors of America, John Adams and Thomas 
Jefierson, — the former at the age of 90 ; the latter, 82. Ad- 
ams had been invited to participate in the celebration at 
Quincy ; but his weakness would not permit, and he could 
only send as a toast his own words uttered half a century 
before, " Independence forever !" Before the day was over, 
he had ceased to breathe, his last words being " Jefierson 
survives !" 

527. Give a sketch of John Quincy Adams' early life. What did he do on the appoint- 
ment of his father to the court of St. James ? What profession did he study ? Give an 
account of his diplomatic career. By whom was his administration opposed? Who 



1836] EXCITEMENT AGAINST THE FREE-MASONS. 399 

Jefferson did live, but it was beyond the grave ; he had 
died at an earlier hour the same day. For some time before, 
his strength had been failing, but the wish which he had 
earnestly expressed to see another 4th of July was gratified. 
His last words were, " I resign my soul to my God and my 
daughter to my country." A bereaved nation received the 
tidings of these blows with every evidence of sorrow. Tears 
fell in all parts of the Union. " It is right," said Webstei*, 
" that it should be thus ; the tears which flow, and the honors 
that are paid, when the friends of the Republic die, give hope 
that the Republic itself may be immortal." 

529. Adams renewed a proposition which had been made 
by his predecessor, to purchase the lands of the Indians still 
left in the several states, and remove them west of the Mis- 
sissippi. Some of the tribes objected to parting mth their 
territory; but in .February, 1826, a deputation from the 
Creeks ceded all their lands in Georgia to the U. S. except 
a million of acres; and these also were afterwards purchased. 

530. A new element was introduced into the political con- 
tests of the country by an occurrence which took place about 
this time in the state of New York. Free-masonry, an an- 
cient institution of Europe, originating with architects and 
builders, but afterwards extended to all and supported by 
many of high rank, found its way to America in 1730. 
Lodges were multiplied ; and Washington, De Witt Clin- 
ton, and other distinguished men became " free and accepted 
masons". In September, 1826, William Morgan, a member 
of the fraternity residing in western New York, having 
threatened to publish a work which would reveal the secrets 
of the order, was suddenly abducted from home, and never 
afterwards seen by his friends. He was traced to Lewiston, 
and thence to Fort Niagara ; but no further clew to his fate 
could be obtained. A committee of the legislature, appoint- 

■was his secretary of state? 528. What took place July 4, 1826 ? What were the ages of 
the two ex-presidents? Give an account of John Adams' death. Of Jefferson's. What 
did Webster say in allusion to these events ? 529. What did Adams propose with re- 
spect to the Indians ? What was done by the Creeks ? 530. How was a new element 
introduced into the political contests of the country? What is said of free-masonry? 
Give an account of the occurrence in New York. What report was made by a com- 



400 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 



[l838 



ed to investigate the matter, reported that he had been mur- 
dered, and such was the belief of many, though no positive 
evidence to that effect could ever be obtained. An intense 
excitement arose against the masons, on whom the crime was 
charged; and a party was formed with the avowed object 
of suppressing their secret organization in the United States, 
as dangerous to freedom of government and the safety of 
the community. Masonry was too strong to be thus put 
down ; but feeling ran high against it, and for several years 
at the North the Anti-masons exercised a powerful influence, 
which they used freely for political purposes. 

531. De Witt 
Clinton, one of the 
most prominent 
members of the 
fraternity at the 
time of this event, 
shared in the oblo- 
quy it occasioned ; 
and before the ex- 
citement had sub- 
sided he died sud- 
denly of disease of 
the heart, on the 
11th of February, 

1828. He had fill- ^^^ "^'^'^ CLl^TO^■S RESII)E^CE, MASPETH, L.I. 

ed many high offices with great ability ; had been mayor of 
the city of ISTew York and governor of the state ; had served 
in the U. S. senate ; had done much for literature, science, 
and art, and worked with equal energy in the great cause of 
internal improvements.. To none of her distinguished sons 
is the commonwealth of New York more largely indebted. 

532. The two principal subjects which engaged the presi- 
dent's attention were internal improvements and domestic 
manufactures. He was in favor of opening national roads 




mittee of the legislature? What was the consequence? What is said of the anti- 
masons? 531. Who was one of the most prominent masons? When did De Witt 
Clinton die? What is said of his career? 532. What were the two principal subjects 



1888] INCREASE OF THE TARIFF. 401 

and canals, improving harbors and the channels of rivers, 
erecting light-houses, and making other provision for the 
safety of coast navigation. To advance the manufacturing 
interests, vrhich had become important in the northern and 
eastern states, he recommended increasing the duties on im- 
ported goods. The necessity of such duties had been gener- 
ally acknowledged, and in 1816, Lowndes and Calhoun, both 
of South Carolina, advocated a high protective tariff, or list 
of imposts. In 1828, in accordance with the views of the 
23resident, increased duties were laid on cotton, w^oollen, and 
linen fabrics, silks, iron, lead, &c. The North, largely engaged 
in the manufacture of some of these articles, was of course 
benefited by this new tariff, because it prevented foreign 
goods from selling lower than those at home ; but southern 
statesmen, including Calhoun, violently opposed it, inasmuch 
as the South, an agricultural and not a manufacturing coun- 
try, had to pay higher prices for articles it was obliged to 
use. Especially in South Carolina was this feeling exhibited ; 
and the people of Charleston showed their disapprobation by 
placing their flags at half-mast. 

533. Mr. Adams ran a second time for the presidency, 
but was defeated by Gen. Jackson. Calhoun was reelected 
vice-president. On the 4th of March, 1829, Adams resigned 
the country, at peace with all the world, and still blessed 
with internal prosperity, into the hands of his successor. 



CHAPTER X 

JACKSON'S ADMINISTRATION, 

534. Jackson's journey from his home near Kashville, 
known as " the Hermitage", to the federal capital, was a 

that engaged the president's attention ? Of what internal improvements was he in 
favor? What measure did he advocate for the advancement of manufacturing inter- 
ests? By whom was a high protective tariff recommended in 1816? What action was 
taken on this subject by Congress in 1S28 ? How did the North feel towards the new 
tariff? How, the South? How did the people of Charleston show their disapproba- 
tion ? 533. Who were the next candidates for the presidency ? Who was elected ? 
Who was chosen vice-president ? On what day was Jackson inaugurated ? 



402 



JACKSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 



[l889 



-"^?^5K 




succession of tri- 
umphs. He appoint- 
ed Martin Van Buren, 
of New York, secre- 
tary of state, and pro- 
ceeded to fill the prin- 
cipal offices in his gift 
with men professing 
the same pohtical prin- 
ciples as himself. To 
do this, he removed 
nearly 700 office-hold- 
ers ; and the practice 
of thus rewarding po- 
htical friends has been 
followed by every suc- 
ceeding president. anpkew jackson. 
Jackson was a man of determined will, and his administra- 
tion of the government was marked by the same energy and 
self-reUance that humbled the Creeks and drove the flower 
of the British army from New Orleans. 

535. In 1832, the United States was devastated by the 
Asiatic cholera, a destructive epidemic which originated in 
1817 in the marshes at the mouth of the Ganges. After 
confining its ravages for some years to India, it gradually 
spread, tiU it reached London in 1831, creating a conster- 
nation hke that occasioned by the plague. Crossing the 
Atlantic the following year, it appeared first in Canada, and 
thence quickly traversed the Union in a southwesterly direc- 
tion, setting medical ' skill at defiance, and hurrying thou- 
sands into eternity. Since then, a few cases of cholera have 
occurred every summer, and the disease seems to have lost 
much of its original virulence. 

536. About this time, the northwestern frontier suff'ered from 

534. What is said of Jackson's journey from his home to the capital? Whom did he 
make secretary of state ? With whom did he fill the principal oflBces ? How many 
office-holders did he remove for this purpose ? By whom has this practice been fol- 
lowed ? What was the character of Jackson's administration ? 535. By what was the 
United States devastated in 1S32 ? Where did the cholera originate ? Give an account 



1833] BLACK HAWK's WAE. 403 

what is known in history as Black HaAvk's War. The Sacs 
and Foxes, occupying the Rock River country in Illinois, a 
quarter of a century before had sold their lands to the United 
States, but continued to inhabit them; and now that the 
march of civilization had reached their borders, and govern- 
ment was disposing of their territory to settlers, they re- 
fused to leave it, on the ground that the original sale was 
illegal. The governor of Ilhnois took the field with 1,600 
mounted men, and induced some of the chiefs to sign a new 
treaty and cross the Mississii^pi ; but Black Hawk still held 
out, and with such of his countrymen as he could raise de- 
termined to defend the graves of his fathers. Several skir- 
mishes took place, and the war finally assumed so dangerous 
an aspect that Gen. Scott was sent from the Atlantic coast 
with nine companies of artillery. Moving with his usual dis- 
patch, Scott reached Chicago, a distance of 1,800 miles, in 
18 days; but there his force was overtaken by the cholera, 
and before he could proceed on his march he lost more men 
by the epidemic than all that were killed in the war. Thus 
detained, and exj^osed to greater danger and suftering than 
he had ever encountered on the field of battle, Scott was un- 
able to reach the scene of action ; and Gen. Atkinson, in 
several decisive battles, the last of which took place August 
2nd, 1832, defeated the Sac chief, and gained possession of 
his person. Aft^er being confined for a time in one of the 
western forts. Black Hawk was taken to the Atlantic 
cities, where he was well received, and saw much that ex- 
cited his curiosity. Convinced by his tour that resistance 
against so powerful a nation was useless, he was at length 
allowed to rejoin his people. With regret he abandoned to 
the pale-faces the ancient hunting-grounds of his tribe, and 
retired to Iowa, where he died in 1838. 

537. Difficulties also arose with the Cherokees. This nation 
now numbered 15,000 souls, and had made no little advance 

of its successive ravages. What is said of this disease since 1832 ? 536. From what 
did the northwestern frontier suffer about this time? Relate the circumstances that 
led to Black Hawk's War. What was effected by the governor of Illinois ? Who was 
finally sent to the seat of war ? Give an account of Scott's movements. What was the 
result of the war? What became of Black Hawk? 537. With what other tribe did 



404 Jackson's administration. [isaa 

in the arts of civilized life. They had a republican govern- 
ment, a printing-press, churches, and missionary schools in 
which 500 children were receiving instruction. Tired of 
waiting for the general government to remove them, ac- 
cording to its engagement, the legislature of Georgia passed 
laws abolishing the Cherokee republic, and extending the 
jurisdiction of the state over their country. The Indians 
claimed that the protection of the United States had been 
guarantied them by numerous treaties, and appealed to the 
Supreme Court, before which their case was argued by Mr. 
Wirt. Though the court declared the acts of Georgia un- 
constitutional and void, the jDresident favored the removal 
of the Cherokees beyond the Mississippi ; and Congress in 
1834 organized "the Indian Territory", part of which was 
appropriated to their use. But the Cherokees refused to 
leave their pleasant farms and the scenes of their childhood, 
and at one time war was apprehended. At length, however, 
in consideration of a little over $5,000,000, they agreed to 
cede their territory and remove to the West. Even after 
this, obstacles were interposed; and it was not till 1837 that 
they were induced by the conciliatory but determined meas- 
ures of Gen. Scott, who was authorized to effect their re- 
moval by force, if necessary, to commence their march to the 
region assigned them on the bank of the Arkansas. 

538. The dissatisfaction of South Carolina and other south- 
ern states with the tariff of 1828 was greatly increased in 
1832 by the passage of a law laying additional duties on for- 
eign manufactures. The federal government was violently 
denounced, and a party was formed in South CaroHna, which 
determined to nullify its action by preventing the collection 
of the obnoxious duties in southern ports. They were known 
as NuUifiers, and were led by Calhoun and Ha}Tie. The 
former resigned the vice-presidency that he might be elected 

difficulties arise ? Describe the condition of the Cherokees at this time. What action 
was talcen by Georgia? How did the Cherolcees seeli to protect theriselves? How 
was the case decided ? What were the president's views ? What provision did Con- 
gress make for the Cherokees? How was their consent to emigrate finally obtained? 
How were they at last compelled to go ? 53S. How was the tariff modified in 1832 ? 
What was the consequence in the cotton-growing states ? What proceedings were had 



1833] N ULLI FIC ATION . 405 

to the senate, and there with his clear and logical reasoning 
defend what he conceived to be the rights of his state ; and 
Hayne measured his eloquence against that of Webster in a 
debate which has become celebrated in the parliamentary 
history of America. The president issued a proclamation 
against the nullifiers,. which was met by a counter-proclama- 
tion from the governor of South Carolina. Both parties 
prepared to support their views with arms ; but Jackson's 
prompt measures determined the nullification leaders to post- 
^pone their forcible opposition to the collection of duties till 
March 1st, 1833. In the mean time. Clay, ever the friend 
of the Union, appeared with a compromise which provided 
for the gradual reduction of the duties in question, until in 
ten years they should reach the low point demanded by 
South Carolina. This bill was passed by Congress, and re- 
ceived the president's signature, March 3d, 1833. It restored 
l^eace and averted evils which at one time threatened the 
very existence of the Union. 

539. Jackson's energetic administration of the government 
gave general satisfaction, and he was reelected, with Martin 
Van Buren as vice-president. He entered on his second 
term, March 4th, 1833. 

540. Opposed to the United States Bank, and apprehend- 
ing an abuse of the great power it wielded, the president in 
1832 vetoed a bill passed by Congress, providing for a re- 
newal of its charter in 1836. In October, 1833, he went so 
far as to remove from it the public funds, then amounting to 
about $10,000,000, and deposit them in certain state banks 
selected for that purpose. So closely connected was the na- 
tional bank with the commercial interests of the country, 
that this act, cutting it oif from the support of government, 
created a panic, and plunged the mercantile community in 
distress. Numerous failures followed ; the president was 

in South Carolina ? By whom were the nullifiers led ? What was done by Calhoun 
and Hayne ? What proclamations were issued? For what did both parties prepare? 
What did the nullification leaders finally determine to do ? How was the difficulty in 
the mean time settled ? 539. What was the result of the election of 1832 ? 540. How 
did Jackson feel towards the U. S. Bank ? How did he show his hostility to it in 183-2 ? 
How, in 1838 ? What was the effect of the removal of the deposits from the U. S. 



406 Jackson's administration. [isa* 

violently condemned, and was even censured by a resolution 
of the senate. Jackson, however, confirmed in his apprehen- 
sions by this revulsion, and supported by the house of repre- 
sentatives, stood firm, and, despite petitions and remonstran- 
ces, refused to restore the deposits. The state banks enlarged 
their oj^erations; confidence was gradually restored, and 
commercial prosperity revived. 

541. In 1834, Jackson was compelled to take a decided 
course with France. By a treaty made in 1831, the French 
government had agreed to pay about $5,000,000 for injuries 
done to American commerce during the wars of ISTapoleon. 
The Chamber of Deputies having refused for several years 
to appropriate the money, Jackson, in December, 1834, rec- 
ommended Congress to authorize reprisals on French com- 
merce, and directed the American minister to demand his 
passports and leave Paris. These peremptory measures had 
the desired efiect, and the money was promptly paid. Por- 
tugal was made to pay a similar indemnity ; treaties were 
concluded with Russia and Belgium ; and the United States 
rapidly rose in the estimation of European powers. 

542. A war with the Seminoles, which was attended with 
much danger and suifering to the troops and ofiicers engaged 
in it, broke out in 1835. It originated in an attempt to re- 
move the Seminoles from their seats in Florida to lands pro- 
vided for them west of the Mississippi, to which a delegation 
of their chiefs had agreed to emigrate. Osceola [os-e-o'-ia'], 
otherwise known as Powell, a half-breed of superior cunning 
and bravery, was the leading spirit among the Red Men. 
Preparing his people for a war of extermination on the white 
settlers, he deluded the U. S. agents with fair promises till 
he was ready to strike the intended blow. The murder of a 
chief who had signed the treaty and the flight of some friend- 
ly Seminoles to the U. S. post at Tampa Bay, first revealed 
his purposes. 

Bank ? How was this act of the presiflent regarded by some ? What position did Jack- 
son maintain? What was the ultimate result? 541. With what country was Jackson 
compelled to take a decided course in 1834? Relate the circumstances. With what 
other European powers were satisfactory treaties made ? What was the effect on the 
standing of the United States abroad ? 542. What war broke out in 1S35? What was 



1835] THE SEMINOLE WAR. 407 

Troops were immediately ordered to Florida ; and Major 
Dade set out from Tampa with 117 men, to join Gen. Clinch 
at Camp King, in the interior of the country. Dade's force 
fell into an ambuscade, and, though they defended them- 
selves bravely, were all killed except one man, who, feigning 
death, was thrown on a j^ile of bodies. When the enemy had 
departed, he crept out and made his way through the woods 
to his countrjTnen, after incredible sufferings, which, with 
his wounds, soon proved fatal. General Thompson, while 
dining with some friends within sight of the garrison at Camp 
King, Avas massacred the same day that Dade's detachment 
was cut off. On the 31st of December, Gen. Clinch, having 
marched against one of the Seminole settlements, was at- 
tacked at disadvantage by Osceola, and, after a severe battle 
in which the Indians were three times repulsed, returned to 
Fort Drane, where he had fixed his head-quarters. The 
whole country was now ravaged by the Indians. Plantations 
were devastated, houses burned, negroes carried off, famihes 
murdered. The settlers fled to the forts for refuge, but many 
were cut off on the way. 

On the Yth of February, 1836, Gen, Scott, Avho had been 
appointed to the command m Florida, reached St, Augustine. 
Learning that Clinch was hard pressed at Fort Drane, he set 
out as soon as possible for his relief. Gen. Gaines had also 
taken the field from the west, with about a thousand men. 
An action took place with, the savages near the scene oi 
Clinch's former battle, and the Seminoles were repulsed with 
loss. Before Scott could cooperate with the western army 
and surround the enemy, they had withdravm to the swamps 
and everglades in the south, where for a time they were safe 
from pursuit. Scott then proceeded to the country of the 
Creeks, some of whom had been induced by the Seminoles 
to commence hostilities. After the inhabitants had suffered 

the cause of the Seminole War ? Who was the chief Seminole leader ? Give an account 
of his proceedings. What action was taken by government ? Give an account of Major 
Dade's massacre. Eelate the circumstances under which Gen. Thompson was murdered. 
What expedition was undertaken by Gen. Clinch? What was the result? Describe 
the state of the country at this time. Who reached St Augustine, Feb. 7, 1836? What 
was Scott's first movement? Give an account of Gen. Gaines' engagement with the 
Indians. Before the enemy could be surrounded, what did they do ? Whither did Scott 



408 Jackson's administration. [isss 

much from their depredations, the Creeks were finally sub- 
dued and compelled to move west of the Mississippi. 

The remaining history of the Seminole War, though it 
belongs to Van Buren's administration, will be given here. 
Gen. Jessup succeeded Scott in the command of the army in 
Florida. In October, 1837, Osceola jDresented himself with 
a flag of truce at the American camp. Jessup, suspecting a 
repetition of treachery and desiring to save mmecessary 
bloodshed, disregarded the flag, seized the chief, and sent 
him to Fort Moultrie, near Charleston, where he died the 
following year. The Seminoles, notwithstanding, continued 
hostihties. In December, 1838, Col. Taylor (afterwards a 
distinguished general in the Mexican War and president ot 
the U. S.) set out with over a thousand men for the almost 
inaccessible haunts to which the enemy had retreated. The 
sufierings this army encountered from fatiguing marches 
through tangled deserts and swamps filled with poisonous 
insects and reptiles, can hardly be conceived. On the 25th 
of December, 1838, they found the enemy prepared to re- 
ceive them near O-kee-cho'-bee [Big Waterl Lake. After a 
hard-fought battle, in which Taylor lost 139 men, the enemy, 
who had also sufiered severely, were obliged to retreat. For 
more than a year longer the U. S. army underAvent terrible 
privations in their endeavors to bring this harassing war to 
an end. A treaty was signed in 1839; but the Seminoles 
did not entirely desist from their ravages till 1842, when 
peace was firmly established. Since then, numbers of them 
have been removed to the West. 

543. Two destructive conflagrations, which were regarded 
as national calamities, occurred about this time. On the 16th 
of Decem'ber, 1835, a fire broke out in the lower part of the 
city of New York, which was occupied by large mercantile 
houses. The night being so cold that the water froze as 
it was drawn from the hydrants, over thirty acres were 

then proceed? What did he soon compel the Creeks to do? Who succeeded Scott in 
Florida? How did Jessup obtain possession of Osceola? What became of this chief? 
In Dec, 1S8S, who set out on an expedition against the Seminoles ? From what did 
his army suffer severely ? Give an account of the battle of Okeechobee. How much 
longer did the war continue ? When were peace and security finally restored ? 543. 



1835] DEATH OF MONROE, CARROLL, RANDOLPH. 409 

laid in ashes before the flames were stayed; 529 houses and 
$18,000,000 worth of property were consumed. It was 
feared that so serious a loss would embarrass the business 
community; a few failures occurred, but "the bjirnt district" 
was speedily covered with magnificent warehouses, which 
greatly improved that section of the city. The other fire 
alluded to took place at Washington, Dec. 15, 1836, destroy- 
ing the U. S. Post Office, and the Patent Office, with 7,000 
models and 10,000 designs of inventions. 

544. The great men who died during Jackson's adminis- 
tration must not be forgotten. On the 4th of July, 1831, 
Monroe breathed his last at the residence of his son-in-law in 
New York, in his '72nd year. He died, hke Jefferson and 
Adams, amid national rejoicings for blessings which he had 
helped to secure. Monroe was a native of Westmoreland 
County, Virginia. He shed his blood at Trenton in the 
Revolutionary War, served with gallantry at Brandywine, 
Germantown, and Monmouth, and was eminently successful 
as a diplomatist and statesman. 

The year 1832 witnessed the departure of Charles Carroll, 
of Carrollton, the last surviving signer of the Declaration of 
Independence, at the advanced age of 96. He had served 
his country in various public stations with fidelity and suc- 
cess, and had seen it increase in population from two to thir- 
teen millions. The same year died Philip Freneau [fre-no'^, 
one of the poets of the Revolution, whose patriotic verses 
had done much towards rousing his countrymen for that 
great struggle. He died at the age of 80, near Freehold, 
New Jersey. 

On the 24th of May, 1833, John Randolph, of Roanoke, 
Ya., a descendant of Pocahontas, died at the age of 60. He 
commenced public hfe in 1799, and served thirty years in 
Congress, where he became distinguished for his eccentric 
conduct, his sharpness of wit, and his tremendous powers of 
sarcasm which made him feared by all parties. In 1830, 

Give an account of the great fire in New York. Wliat other fire took place about the 
same time ? 544. Give an account of the death of Monroe. Where was he born ? What 
is said of his previous history? What two distinguished men died in 1832? What is 
said of Charles Carroll ? What, of Philip Freneau ? When did Randolph, of Eoanoke, 

18 



410 



JACKSON S ADMINISTRATION. 



[1836 




Jackson appointed him minister to Russia. Randolph's 
speeches were widely read and admired. Poetry and his- 
tory were his favorite studies, and few were better versed in 
them than he. 

Two more of the 
great men of Vir- 
ginia, Chief Justice 
Marshall and Ex- 
president Madison, 
died respectively in 
1835 and 1836, the 
former aged 80, the 
latter 85. As a mem- 
ber of Congress, a 
cabinet officer, and 
chief justice of the 
U. S., MarshaU did 
good service to his 
country. His abili- 
ties as a writer are 
conspicuously displayed in his widely-read and still popular 
" Life of Washington". 

545. Arkansas was admitted into the Union in June, 1836, 
and Michigan in the following January. 

546. Gen. Jackson's second term being about to expire, 
Martin Van Buren was nominated to succeed him by the 
democrats, or supporters of the administration; while its 
opponents, who in 1836 assumed the name of whigs^ voted 
chiefly for Gen. Harrison, of Ohio. Van Buren was elected, 
and inaugurated on the 4th of March, 1837. No Adce-presi- 
dent having been chosen by the people, Col. Richard M. 
Johnson, of Kentucky, one of the heroes of Tippecanoe, was 
elected by the senate to that office. 

(lie? At what age? What is said of his public life and attainments ? What two other 
distinguished Virginians died during Jackson's term ? What is said of Chief Justice 
Marshall? 545. When were Arkansas end Michigan admitted? 546. Who were the 
candidates at the next presidential election ? Who was elected? When was he inau- 
gurated ? Who was chosen vice-president ? 



CHIEF JUbTICE MAHbHALLS KESIDLNCE, RICUMOKD, VA. 



1837] VAN BUREn's ADMINISTRATION. 411 



CHAPTER XI. 

VAN BUREN'S AD:^^NISTRATION, 183'7-1841. 

547. Martin Van Buren was born at Kinderhook, New 
York, on the 5th of December, 1782. He left school at 14 ; 
was admitted to the bar at 21 ; was elected to the N. Y. 
senate in his 30th year ; was sent to the U. S. senate in 1821 ; 
was chosen governor of N. Y. in 1828; became Jackson's 
secretary of state the following year; was appointed min- 
ister to Great Britain, and then received in succession the 
two highest offices in the gift of his countrymen. 

548. Hardly was Yan Buren seated in the presidential 
chair, when the business community were paralyzed by a 
revulsion in their monetary aft'aii's. The last year of Jack- 
son's administration had been one of great apparent pros- 
perity. The national debt was extinguished, and a surplus 
of nearly $40,000,000 had accumulated in the treasury, which 
Congress ordered to be distributed among the several states. 
Banks had multiplied to such an extent that there were com- 
puted to be no less than 677 in the Union, with 146 branches; 
most of which had issued notes to a large amount beyond 
what they were able to redeem. Business men traded ex- 
tensively on credit, and in many cases gave up honest indus- 
try for wild speculation. This unhealthy state of things was 
necessarily followed by a revulsion, and the crisis occurred 
in the spring of 1837. The banks of New York and New 
Orleans suspended specie payments, that is, refused to re- 
deem their notes with gold or silver ; and their example was 
followed throughout the country. Several hundred mercan- 
tile houses immediately stopped payment, and in New Or- 
leans alone failures to the amount of $27,000,000 took place 
within two days. 

An order known as " the specie circular" had been issued 

^47. Where and when was Martin Van Buren born ? Give a sketch of his public life. 
548. What took place Immediately after Van Buren's inauguration ? What is assigned 
as the cause of this revulsion ? When did the crisis occur ? What were the banks com- 
pelled to do? What was the consequence? What was the substance of "the specie 



412 VAN BUREN's administration. [i837 

by Jackson, requiring all payments to the government to be 
made in gold and silver, and thus, it Avas claimed, large quan- 
tities of specie were kept out of circulation. A committee of 
N. Y. merchants petitioned the president to rescind the cir- 
cular. Van Buren refused their request, but called an extra 
session of Congress. That body took measures to protect 
the government from embarrassment, but could do Httle to 
relieve the prevalent distress. The return of confidence and 
prosperity was necessarily slow. The IsTew York banks re- 
sumed specie payments in May, 1838, as did those in other 
places shortly after. 

At this extra session Yan Buren submitted his famous 
Sub-treasury Scheme, for the safe keeping of the public funds. 
It was at first violently opposed and failed to pass ; but, pre- 
sented at a subsequent session, it became a law in 1840. 
The Sub-treasury Bill provided that all government dues 
should be paid in gold or silver, which should not, as before, 
be deposited in banks, but should be kept in certain ofiices 
in the chief cities of the Union, under the care of persons 
appointed for the purpose, called sub-treasurers, who should 
give security for the proper discharge of their duty. The 
sub-treasury bill was the great measure of Yan Buren's ad- 
ministration, and called forth violent denunciations from his 
opponents. Keeping a large amount of specie in the vaults 
of government, it compelled the banks to limit their opera- 
tions, and through them acted on the community. With 
such efiect was this argument used in the election of 1840, 
that Yan Buren, who was running for a second terai, was 
defeated by a large majority. 

549. In 1837, a portion of the Canadians rose against the 
British government and attempted to establish their inde- 
pendence. The people of the U. S., particularly those of 
New York, sympathized with the insurgents, and many 

circular"? Who petitioned the president to rescind it ? How did the president answer 
their petition ? What was done hy Congress ? When did the banks resume payment? 
What scheme did the president submit at tliis extra session ? What was its fate ? Give 
the substance of the Sub-treasury Bill. What argument was urged against it? What 
was the consequence ? 549. In 1S37, what attempt was made by some of the Canadians ? 
How did the people of the U. S. feel on the subject ? What was done by a party of 700 



1837] TEOTJBLES ON THE CANADA FEONTIER. 413 

crossed the border to render them assistance. A party of 
VOO men took possession of Xavy Island, a British depen- 
dency in the Niagara River [see Map, p. 351], and fortified 
it so strongly as to resist an attack from the loyalists. The 
steamer Caroline was employed to bring them munitions 
from Schlosser on the American side. Late at night, near 
the close of December, 1837, a party of loyalists crossed 
from Canada, set fire to the Carohne, cut her from her moor- 
ings, and allowed her to drift over the falls. By these pro- 
ceedings the peaceful relations between Great Britain and 
the U. S. were endangered ; but Van Buren promptly issued 
a proclamation forbidding interference in the aflairs of Can- 
ada, and sent Gen. Wool to the fi.*ontier. The force on Navy 
Island surrendered their arms and dispersed ; and, not long 
after, another body which had assembled in N. Y. near the 
Canada line, with hostile intentions, followed their example. 
The insurrection was soon suppressed, and harmony between 
the two countries was once more restored. 



CHAPTER XII. 

ADMINISTRATION OF HARRISON AND TYLER, 1841-1845. 

550. Van Buren was succeeded by William Henry Har- 
rison, of Ohio, who was inaugurated March 4th, 1841. 
Harrison was born on the James River, Vu'ginia, in 1773, 
and on the death of his father was placed under the guar- 
dianship of Robert Morris, the great financier of the Revo- 
lution. Having graduated at Hampden Sidney College, he 
applied himself to the study of medicine ; but, before the 
completion of his course, the news of Indian aggressions in 
the West led him to join the army then about to take the 

men ? [See Map, p. 351.— What place in New York near Navy Island ? What other 
island in the Niagara Eiver ?] How did the lo.valists retaliate ? What were endangered 
by these proceedings? What steps were taken by the president ? What was the result ? 
650. By' whom was Van Buren succeeded ? When was Harrison inaugurated ? Give 
a sketch of Harrison's previous history. What won for Harrison the confidence of hia 



414 HARRISON AND TYLEr's ADMINISTRATION. [l84:l 

Aielcl, and he received from AVashington a commission as 
ensign. Bearing himself gallantly in the armies of St. Clair 
and Wayne, he was rapidly promoted, and finally became 
lieutenant-governor of the North-west Territory. In 1799, 
he was sent to Congress as its first delegate ; and soon after 
he was appointed governor of Indiana, which then included, 
not only the region now so called, but also Illinois, Michigan, 
and Wisconsin. His services in this capacity, and his victo- 
ries at Tippecanoe and the Thames, gained for him the 
hearty gratitude of the West, as well as the unreserved con- 
fidence of the whole Union. 

John Tyler was the new vice-president. Born in 1790 in 
Virginia, he was graduated at 17 at William and Mary Col- 
lege, was admitted to the bar two years afterwards, and soon 
became distinguished in his profession. Tyler was not long 
in attaining political prominence. After servmg successively 
in the legislature and in Congress, he was in 1825 elected 
governor of Virginia. Called to the U. S. senate, he ran an 
honorable career in that body, consistently carrying out state 
rights principles and generally voting with the democratic 
party. Difiering from Jackson on some points, and an ar- 
dent friend of Clay, though known to be opposed to the U. S. 
Bank, he was placed on the same ticket mth Gen. Harrison. 

551. Harrison appointed Daniel Webster, of Massachu- 
setts, secretary of state, and soon after his inauguration 
called an extra session of Congress, to consider " sundry im- 
portant matters connected with the finances of the country". 
When Congress met, the president was no more. He died 
on the 4th of April, 1841, from disease brought on by fatigue 
and exposure. Tyler thus became president, and on the 6th 
of April he took the oath of office. 

Congress, at its extra session, occupied itself chiefly with 
the financial interests of the country. The Sub-treasury Act 
Avas repealed, and a Bankrupt Law was passed, which freed 

countrymen ? Who was the new vice-president ? Where was John Tyler born ? Give 
an account of his early life. What course did he pursue in the senate? How did he 
come to be nominated by the whigs? 551. Whom did Harrison make secretary of 
state ? What did the president do soon after liis inauguration ? Before Congress met, 
what melancholy eveot happened ? Who thus became president ? What occupied the 



1841] Tyler's vetoes. 415 

those who had failed from their obligations, and enabled 
them to recommence business. The great question before 
Congress, however, was the establishment of a national bank. 
A bill providing for such an institution was framed by Clay 
and passed both houses ; but, to the indignation of the whigs 
throughout the country, it was vetoed by the president. An- 
other bill, similar in substance but modified in some of its 
details, was passed the following September ; but this also 
received Mr. Tyler's veto. Violent abuse was lavished on the 
president for thus defeating the favorite measure of the party 
that elected him ; yet he was merely carrying out the prin- 
ciples which he had always held on this subject. The cabi- 
net showed their disapproval of his course by resigning, Mr. 
Webster alone retaining his seat on account of several im- 
portant public intere^s which would have sufiered from his 
resignation. 

552. One of these was the settlement of a boundary line 
on the northeast, between the possessions of Great Britain 
and the United States. War was at one time threatened ; 
but the excitement that pervaded the country, particularly 
those parts of Maine and ISTew Brunswick which bordered 
on the disputed line, was laid at rest by a treaty made by 
Lord Ashburton and Daniel Webster on the part of their 
respective countries, and ratified by the senate August 20th, 
1842. 

553. The charter of the U. S. Bank expired by Hmitation 
in 1836. President Jackson's veto, as we have seen, pre- 
vented it from receiving a new charter from the general 
government ; but it succeeded in obtaining one from Penn- 
sylvania, and continued its operations under the management 
of Nicholas Biddle. Its directors, however, abandoning the 
prudent policy which had marked its former movements, 

attention of Congress at this extra session ? What act was repealed ? What law was 
passed? What was the great question before Congress? What action was had on the 
subject of a national bank ? How was it defeated ? How were these vetoes received ? 
How did the cabinet show their disapprobation ? Why did Webster retain his seat ? 
652. What difficulty had arisen between the United States and Great Britain ? How was 
it settled ? 553. What had proved fatal to the U. S. Bank ? From what state did it 
receive a new charter ? By whom was it managed ? What policy did it follow ? What 



416 Tyler's administration. [1843 

ventured into the same wild system of speculation that was 
ruining other institutions, and, like them, it was compelled 
to suspend in 1837. It resumed payment, but again specu- 
lated beyond its means ; and, notwithstanding the exertions 
of its friends, it finally failed in October, 1841, involving 
many in ruin. 

554. The summer of 1842 was signalized by the return of 
an exploring expedition which had been sent out four years 
before by the government, under the command of Lieutenant 
Charles Wilkes, of the U. S. navy. Accompanied by a large 
corps of scientific men, and well provided with every thing 
that could assist them in their researches, Lieut. Wilkes had 
traversed the Pacific, visited various groups of islands be- 
fore but little known, surveyed different parts of the western 
coast of America, and made many important discoveries in the 
far south, which was the particular scene of his explorations. 
Among other things, he discovered and coasted for a dis- 
tance of 1700 miles what is known as the Antarctic Continent. 
The whole distance traversed was 90,000 miles. 

555. Rhode Island and New York were each the seat of 
internal disturbances during Tyler's administration. In 
Rhode Island, the difficulties originated in attempts to change 
the constitution granted by Charles II., under which the gov- 
ernment had been administered for nearly two hundred years. 
According to this instrument, no citizen could vote unless he 
had a certain amount of property. This provision and others 
it was deemed best to alter ; but a difference of opinion on 
some of the points involved gave rise to two parties, known 
as the " suffrage" and the " law and order" party, each of 
which elected a governor, and prepared to support its claims 
with arms. The suffrage party, whose proceedings had not 
been in accordance with existing laws, elected Thomas W. 
Dorr. He took possession of the state arsenal. May 18th, 
1843, but was soon compelled to flee before the militia, who 



was it compelled to do ? What was its final fate ? 554. What signalized the summer of 
1S42? What was accomplished by Wilkes'' expedition ? How long a voyage did it 
make? 555. What states were the scene of disturbances during Tyler's administration ? 
Give an account of the difficulties in Rhode Island. Whom did " the suffrage party" 



1843] ANTI-RENT DISTURBANCES. 417 

were called out by his opponents. A second attempt of the 
suffrage men was defeated by the troops of the United 
States. Dorr was apprehended, convicted of treason, and 
sentenced to imprisonment for life ; but he was afterwards 
pardoned. A new constitution, formed according to pro- 
visions of the legislature, went into effect in May, 1843. 

The disturbances in New York originated in Rensselaer 
county. In the early history of this state, as we have seen, 
large tracts were granted to certain persons called patroons^ 
for their services in bringing over colonists from the old 
world. Among these was Van Rensselaer, whose successors 
divided the land thus obtained into farms, and invited settlers 
by leasing them out on very favorable terms. This arrange- 
ment had been in force for generations; but in 1840, the 
farms having by this time increased greatly in value. Van 
Rensselaer's tenants began to murmur, and even refused to 
pay their rent, which was in most cases but a few bushels of 
wheat, three or four fat fowls, and a day's service with Avag- 
on and horses, each year. The legislature having tried in 
vain to settle the difficulty, in 1844, the Anti-renters, as they 
were called, assumed a bolder tone ; disguised as Indians, 
they tarred and feathered such of their fellow-tenants as 
paid their rent, and resisted and even killed the officers sent 
to serve warrants on them. Similar disturbances broke out 
in Columbia and Delaware counties, where lands were held 
on a like tenure. In 1846, Silas Wright, governor of New 
York, declared Delaware county in a state of insurrection, 
and supported the civil officers with a mihtary force. The 
leading Anti-renters were taken, tried, condemned, and sen- 
tenced to imprisonment, some of them for life. Peace was 
thus restored; but in 1847 Governor Young pardoned the 
offenders, and the anti-rent difficulties do not yet seem to be 
permanently settled. 

556. About this time, excitement ran high in Illinois in 

elect governor ? What was done by Dorr? How were his attempts defeated ? What 
was done to Dorr ? When did a new constitution go into effect ? What was the cause 
of the difficulties in New York? Describe the proceedings of the Anti-renters in 1844. 
To what counties did these disturbances spread? In 1S46, what measures were taken 
by the governor for their suppression ? How did the Anti-renters finally escape pun- 

18* 



4:18 Tyler's administration. [is** 

consequence of the proceedings of a body of men calling 
themselves Mormons, or Latter-Day Saints. This sect was 
founded by Joseph Smith, a native of Yermont. Having 
removed to central Xew York, and received an imperfect 
education, Smith, at the age of 15, asserted that he saw- 
visions ; and, seven years afterwards, he declared that he 
had received a revelation from on high in the form of rec- 
ords, which had been buried in the earth for centuries. They 
were engraved, according to the account of a Mormon wri- 
ter, on plates having the appearance of gold and the thick- 
ness of tin, which were covered with Egyptian characters, 
and united by means of rings. Smith pretended to under- 
stand and translate this famous " Book of MoiTuon", and 
set it forth as a new gospel for men. It contains sundry 
wonderful stories about events in America over 2,000 years 
ago ; and it is said to have been T\Titten by a man named 
Spaulding as a romance. 

The immorality of the Mormon doctrines, among which 
that of polygamy, or the allowing of a plurahty of wives, was 
jjromiuent, recommended them to some ; and in 1833 Smith 
found himself at the head of 1200 followers. Jackson county, 
JVIissouri, became their head-quarters ; but, as they declared 
that the whole western country was destined for their inher- 
itance, and as various thefts were committed in thek neigh- 
borhood, the Missourians naturally desired to get rid of them. 
The first opportimity was seized to call out the miUtia ; and 
the Mormons, offering no resistance, were driven from the 
state. They crossed to Illinois, and in the spring of 1840, 
founded, on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi, the city of 
Nauvoo (a word which they say signifies beautiful). Here 
they erected a magnificent temple, and received a large ad- 
dition of members, some of whom were men of property. 



ishment? 556. What occasioned violent excitement in Illinois? By whom was the 
sect of Mormons founded? What is said of Smith's early history? How does a Mor- 
mon writer describe the plates Smith pretended to have found ? What does the " Book 
of Mormon" contain ? By whom is it said to have been written ? What was the char- 
acter of the Mormon doctrines? What one is specially mentioned? How many fol- 
lowers had Smith in 1S33 ? Where were their head-quarters ? Eecount the circum- 
6tances that led to their expulsion from Missouri. Where did they then go ? What city 



.184:4:] THE MORMONS DRIVEN FROM ILLINOIS. 419 

At length the Mormons passed ordinances which set the 
laws of Illinois at defiance. Great excitement spread through- 
out the state, and some of the "Saints" left Nauvoo in alarm. 
Several robberies and murders committed near their city 
were attributed to the followers of the prophet ; and popu- 
lar fury was increased by the beUef that the Mormons con- 
trolled the county courts, and could set at defiance all at- 
tempts to bring them to justice. At last Joseph Smith, 
still the leading spirit among the Mormons, was arrested, 
and, with his brother, lodged in jail at Carthage. Here, on 
the Yth of July, 1844, they were killed by a mob, which 
broke into the prison. The Mormons continued to be the 
objects of popular suspicion and odium ; and so violently 
were these feelings displayed that the next year they sold 
their possessions in Illinois, deserted their beautiful city, 
which then contained 10,000 inhabitants, and emigrated to 
the wilderness beyond the Rocky Mountains, where we shall 
again have occasion to notice them. 

557. Serious riots occurred in May and June, 1844, at 
Philadelphia, growing out of differences between a party 
known as Native Americans and the Irish inhabitants of that 
city. Fire-arms were used, and over a hundred persons were 
killed or wounded. Thirty dwelling-houses, a seminary, and 
three churches, were burned. Quiet was not restored till 
the governor had taken the field with 5,000 men. 

558. Acts admitting Florida and Iowa into the Union were 
passed March 3, 1845 ; but Iowa did not enter till 1846. 

559. Towards the close of this administration, the new 
republic of Texas became an object of general attention and 
interest. This extensive tract, lying west and southwest of 
Louisiana, had been early explored by Ponce de Leon and La 
Salle. Claimed by both Spanish and French, it was held 
and governed by the former, who in 1692 established a set- 
tlement at San Antonio de Bexar [^san an-to'-ne-o da hd^-har\. 

did they build ? What happened next ? What finally befell Joseph Smith and his bro- 
ther? What became of the Mormons? 557. Give an account of the riots in Philadel- 
phia in 1S44. 558. What new states were admitted March 3d, 1845? 559. Towards the 
close of Tylers term, to what was public attention directed ? . By whom was Texas early 
explored? By whom was it claimed ? By which of these nations was it held ? Where 



4:20 Tyler's administration. [is** 

Colonization, however, was discouraged by the authorities, 
who desired to keep an impassable wilderness between them- 
selves and their enterprising neighbors on the north. For- 
eigners were forbidden to settle in Texas on pain of death ; 
and so strong was the aversion entertained towards the peo- 
ple of the United States that a Spanish captain-general de- 
clared, if he had the power, he would not even allow a bird 
to fly over the boundary. For years, therefore, did Texas 
remain uninhabited except by roving Indians, a few fortified 
inclosures being the only evidences of European settlement. 
In 1800 but three of these stations remained, — San Antonio, 
GoHad [go'-le-ad], and Nac-og-do'-ches. 

From the time of its conquest by Cortez, Mexico was 
governed by Spanish viceroys, who aimed, not to improve 
the country, but simply to make it profitable to the crown. 
Mining, therefore, became the chief branch of industry, to 
the exclusion of agriculture and commerce. The people, 
shut out from the rest of the world, became imbued with a 
servile spirit ; and it was not till Spain herself fell under the 
power of Napoleon in 1808 that they thought of asserting 
their right to self-government. In 1810, a revolutionary 
movement commenced ; but, after a struggle continued at 
intervals for seven years, it was finally put down by the 
Spanish authorities. A second attempt in 1821, under Gen. 
Iturbide \e-toor'-be-da\ was more successful, and Mexican in- 
dependence was established on a firm basis. Iturbide, how- 
ever, having proclaimed himself emperor, ofiended the people, 
who had shed their blood to secure a free government. He 
was deposed and banished, but returned to his country and 
was executed. Santa Anna, a man of superior abilities, next 
appeared at the head of affairs, and under his auspices was 



was a settlement made in 1692? How did the authorities look upon the people of the 
United States ? How did they try to prevent them from entering the country ? What 
did a Spanish captain-general say? What was the consequence of this exclusive poli- 
cy? In ISOO, what stations remained in Texas? Describe the condition of Mexico 
from the time of its conquest. When did the people first think of asserting their inde- 
pendence ? Give an account of the first revolutionary movement. When and by whom 
was a second attempt made? What was the result ? What afterwards became of Itur- 
bide? Who next appeared at the head of affairs? What kind of a government was 



1835] THE TEXAN KEYOLUTION. 421 

formed a federal government, somewhat resembling that of 
the United States. 

560. Meanwhile Spain had changed her policy with re- 
spect to the colonization of Texas, and granted Moses Aus- 
tin, a native of Connecticut, a large tract in that province, 
on condition that he would settle it with three hundred fam-" 
ilies. This grant, confirmed by the new government of 
Mexico, was transferred by Moses Austin, at his death, to 
his son Stephen, The three hundred famihes having been 
introduced from the United States according to agreement, 
Austin obtained a further grant for five hundred more. 
Other emigrants naturally followed; and in 1830 there were 
not far from 20,000 Americans in Texas. 

The prosperity of these settlers awakened the jealousy of 
the Mexicans, and an unjust and oppressive policy was pur- 
sued towards them. Their remonstrances being dirsegarded, 
they declared their independence of Mexico, and made ready 
to support it by force of arms. Volunteers from America 
hastened to their aid. In 1835, the revolution began with 
the battle of Gonzales [gon-zah' -lds\ in which 1,000 Mexi- 
cans were defeated by 500 Texans. Goliad, and the strong 
citadel of Bexar, kno^^^l as the Alamo \ah-lah' -7no\ were 
soon after taken, and the whole Mexican army was dispersed. 
On the 6th of March, 1836, however, Santa Anna, having 
raised a new force of 8,000 men, attacked the Alamo, which 
had been left in charge of a small but gallant garrison. All 
night they fought, but superior numbers triumphed. Every 
man fell at his post but seven, and these were killed while 
asking quarter. Here died David Crocket, the famous hunt- 
er. Crocket had enjoyed but two months' instruction at a 
country school ; but his strong common sense and indomi- 
table courage made him very popular among the people of 
Tennessee, who three times elected him to Congress. In 
1834 he went to Texas, to strike a blow for freedom. The 

formed under Santa Anna's auspices? 560. Give an account of tlie settlements made 
by Austin in Texas. In 1830, how many Americans were there in Mexico ? How were 
these American settlers treated? What was the consequence? By whom were the 
Texans aided? When did the revolution begin ? With what battle ? What victories 
were gained by the Texans ? Give an account of the capture of the Alamo and the fell 



422 ttler's administration. [is 44 

Alamo proved his last battle-field. He expired, covered with 
wounds, surrounded by a circle of Mexicans who had fallen 
by his sword. 




FALL OP CEOCKET IN THE ALAMO 



561. On the 21st of April was fought the decisive battle 
of San Ja-cin'-to, in which Santa Anna, with 1,500 men, was 
defeated by 800 Texans under Gen. Samuel Houston [heiol- 
stim] (since a member of the U. S. senate). The Mexican 
leader, taken the next day in the woods, was compelled to 
acknowledge the independence of Texas, but the legislature 
refused to ratify his act. Hostilities, however, were virtu- 
ally abandoned by Mexico ; and the independence of the new 
republic was soon acknowledged by the United States, by 
France, Great Britain, and other European powers. In 1837, 
Texas asked to be admitted into the Union ; but the propo- 
sal was declined by Yan Buren through fear of a war with 
Mexico. In the spring of 1844, the American population of 
Texas having increased to over 200,000, the question was re- 
ef Crocket. [See Map, p. 426.— How is San Antonio situated ?] 561. What took place 
April 21st., 1S36? By what powers was the independence of Texas acknowledged? 
What proposal was made by Texas in 1S37? How was it received? When was 



184:4:] MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH. 428 

vived ; and it was proposed to test the feelings of the people 
of the United States on the subject at the next jDresidential 
election. The whigs, who were opposed to the admission of 
Texas, nominated Henry Clay ; the democrats, who were in 
favor of its admission, supported James Knox Polk, of Ten- 
nessee. Mr. Polk was elected, and with him George M. 
Dallas, of Pennsylvania, as vice-president. 

562. The news of Mr. Polk's nomination and other pro- 
ceedings of the democratic convention were transmitted from 
Baltimore to Washington, May 29, 1844, by the Magnetic 
Telegraphy being the first dispatches ever so communicated. 
The principle involved in the Telegraph was known as early 
as 1774, but Samuel F. B. Morse, a native of Massachusetts, 
was the first to apply it practically. He received a patent 
for his invention in 1837, and after long and discouraging 
delay obtained from Congress an appropriation of $30,000 
for the purpose of testing its utility. The first telegraphic 
line in the world was thus established between Baltimore 
and Washington ; and the importance of the invention, as 
one of the greatest triumphs yet achieved by human inge- 
nuity, was demonstrated to the world. Telegraph wires soon 
threaded the country, and there are now in the United States 
and Canada over 40,000 miles in operation. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

POLK'S ADMINISTRATION-, 1845-1849. 

563. James K. Polk, inaugurated on the 4th of March, 
1845, was born in 1795, in North CaroHna. During his 
childhood, his father removed to Tennessee ; and in the le- 

the question revived ? How was it submitted to the people? Who were nominated 
for the presidency ? Who were elected president and vice-president ? 562. How was 
the news of Polk's nomination transmitted to Washington ? How early was the prin- 
ciple involved in the telegraph linown ? Who was the first to apply it practically ? 
When did Morse receive his patent? How was he enabled to test his invention? 
What was the result ? How many miles of telegraph are now in operation in the Uni- 
ted states and Canada ? 
563. When was James K. Polk inaugurated ? Where and when was he born ? What 



424 folk's administration. [1845 

gislature of that state he commenced his public career. Af- 
ter serving fom'teen years in Congress, he was in 1839 elected 
governor of Tennessee. From that post he retired to j^rivate 
life, whence he was called by the voice of the nation to be- 
come its chief. He had been seated in the presidential chair 
but about three months, when his esteemed friend and coun- 
sellor, Gen. Jackson, died at the advanced age of 78, respect- 
ed and lamented even by his political opponents. Mr. Polk 
made James Buchanan, of Pennsylvania, his secretary of state. 
564. The success of the democratic party having shown 
that a majority of the people were in favor of annexing 
Texas, Congress had passed a bill providing for that measure 
a few days before the close of Tyler's term. On the 4th of 
July, 1845, the Texas legislature having approved of the bill, 
the nnion was consummated. Shortly afterwards, at the 
request of this same body, a small force of U. S. troops 
was dispatched to the frontier, under Gen. Zachary Taylor, 
who had won distinction in the Seminole War. The boun- 
dary between Texas and Mexico was still unsettled ; the for- 
mer looked upon the Rio Grande [re'-o gi-ahn'-da]^ the latter 
on the Nueces \nwa'-sds\ as the separating line [see Map, p. 
426], the region between these two rivers being claimed by 
both. To prevent difficulties, the U. S. government proposed 
to fix on a line by negotiation, but Mexico scornfully refused 
all overtures. The annexation of Texas was the signal for 
her minister to leave Washington with threats of war. Pa- 
redes [pah-ra -clds\ a well-known enemy of the United States, 
was elected president. The hostility of the Mexicans, which 
had been displayed for years in petty insults and injuries to 
American citizens, was now openly and fiercely avowed. 
Strong forces were said to be gathering for the invasion of 
Texas. Under these circumstances, the U. S. government 
felt justified in assuming that the boundary claimed by Texas 
was correct ; and Taylor was instructed to take a position as 

is told of his previous history ? Who died three months after his inauguration ? Whom 
did Polk make secretary of state ? 564. Relate the circumstances under which Texas was 
admitted. What precautionary measure was taken by the United States? What con- 
flicting claims were put forth by Texas and Mexico respecting their boundary? What 
proposal was made by the United States ? How was it received ? Give an account of 



184:6] THE OREGON BOUNDARY SETTLED. 425 

near the Rio Grande as prudence would allow. According- 
ly, he encamped at Corpus Christi \kor' -2^008 kre'-ste\ at the 
mouth of the Nueces, and there remained till the following 
spring. 

565. While these difficulties were pending, a rupture with 
Great Britain was seriously threatened. A boundary line 
between the U. S. and the British Possessions on the north- 
west never having been settled, both laid claim to an exten- 
sive region between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific, 
known as Oregon, which was now becoming gradually set- 
tled. The democratic party were for accepting nothing 
short of parallel 54° 40' as the northern boundary of the U. 
S. west of the mountains ; but in June, 1 846, a treaty nego- 
tiated in Washington estabhshed parallel 49° and the Strait 
of San Juan de Fuca \san whahn dafoo'-cali\ as the separa- 
ting line. The white population of this region was then 
about 4,000. Oregon was organized into a territory in 1848. 
In 1853, it was divided, and the northern part was formed 
into a new territory named Washington. 

566. Mexico still refusing the overtures of the United 
States for a peaceable settlement. Gen. Taylor, early in 1846, 
was ordered to advance to the Rio Grande and occupy the 
disputed territory. This he proceeded to do, in spite of the 
protest of the Mexican authorities. Near the end of March, 
he reached the river, and commenced the erection of a fort 
on its eastern side. About the middle of April, Gen. Am- 
pudia {ahm-poo' -de-d\ arrived at Mat-a-mo'-ras, opposite 
Taylor's position, and informed the American commander, 
that, unless he retired beyond the Nueces, Mexico would 
accept the war thus forced upon her. Taylor, of course, 
did not retire, and skirmishes with the enemy immediately 
followed. 

567. Gen. Taylor had estabhshed a depot of provisions at 
Point Isabel, 21 miles distant, on the Gulf of Mexico, which 

the proceedings of the Mexicans. What instructions did the government issue to Gen. 
Taylor ? Wiiere did he encamp ? 565. What difficulty now arose with England ? How 
was it settled ? What was then the white population of Oregon ? What is said of its 
subsequent history? 566. What orders did Gen. Taylor receive early in 1S46? Give 
an account of his movements. What passed between Taylor and Ampudia ? 567. Where 



426 



POLK'S ADMINISTRATION. 



[1846 



he had garrisoned with 
450 men. Perceiving 
that the enemy were 
raj^idly closing round 
him, and fearing for 
this detachment, he 
set out on the 1st of 
May for the Point, 
leaving 300 men un- 
der Major Brown to 
defend the fort he had 
erected ( afterwards 
called Fort Brown). 
Point Isabel was 
reached in safety ; 
and, having assured 
himself that it w^as 
amply provided with 
means of defence, Tay- 
lor prepared to return 
to Fort BrowTi, with 
a provision-train and 
an army of 2,288 men. 
Arriving at Palo Alto 
{pah'-lo ahV-to] [May 
8th, 1846], he found a 
Mexican army 6,000 
strong drawn up di- 
rectly in his road. 

The engagement, commenced with artillery, lasted five 
hours, and resulted in the complete discomfiture of the ene- 
my with a loss of about 400 men ; while that of the Ameri- 
cans was but 9 killed and 44 wounded. 

Among the brave men who fell at Palo Alto was Major 

had Gen. Taylor established a depot of provisions? How was Point Isabel situated? 
What did.Taylor apprehend, and what movement did he consequently execute? With 
how large an army did he attempt to "return from Point Isabel to Fort Brown? [See 
Map. — In what direction did he march ?] What befell him on the way ? Give an ac- 
count of the battle of Palo Alto. Relate the circumstances of Major Ringgold's fall 




■^^fl^rafafieffi'i 



EASTERN COAST OF Mi;XICO. 



184:6] BATTLE OF RESACA DE LA PALMA. 427 

Ringgold, of the artillery, whose efficient battery, thinning 
the ranks of the enemy at every discharge, helped not a little 
to gain the day. Directing. the movements of his guns on 
horseback, this brave officer was struck by a shell, which tore 
the flesh from his limbs. " Leave me alone," said he to the 
brother officers who gathered round him as he fell ; " you 
are wanted forward." The shades of night put an end to 
the battle, and the Americans remained masters of the field. 

Resuming their march the following day, the American 
army at three in the afternoon found the Mexicans in full 
force at Resaca de la Palma \rd-sah^-Jca eld lah pahT -raa1i\^ 
a ravine supposed to have been formerly the bed of a river, 
about three miles from Fort Brown. Again the action was 
commenced by artillery ; and the Mexican guns, well aimed 
and rapidly discharged, for a time held the Americans in 
check. It was necessary to silence them, and the desperate 
task was intrusted to Capt. May and his bold dragoons. 
Right upon the batteries, still thundering forth death, rode 
the fearless band. Half of them fell, but the guns were cap- 
tured, and with them Gen. La Yega \lah vaf-ga}i\^ in the act 
of applying a lighted match. The Mexicans were a second 
time defeated, and so hopelessly that they halted not till they 
had placed the Rio Grande between them and their victors. 
The American loss was 122 in killed and wounded. Of the 
Mexicans, 200 were found dead on the field, their total loss 
being not far from 1,000 men. The next day the American 
army reached Fort Brown. During their absence, it had 
sustained an almost incessant bombardment fi'om the enemy. 
The garrison with much labor and suffering had made good 
their defence, though their commander, a much valued offi- 
cer, was mortally wounded by a shell. 

No sooner had the news that hostilities with Mexico 
had actually commenced reached the United States, than it 
set the whole country in a blaze. Congress declared [May 
11th, 1846] that war existed by the act of Mexico. Ten 

What battle followed the next day? What was Eesaca de la Palma ? Give an account 
of the engagement What was the loss on each side? What had taken place at 
Fort Brown during Taylor's absence ? How was the news of the commencement of 
hostilities in Mexico received in the U. S.? What measures were taken by Congress? 



428 folk's administration. [1846 

millions of dollars were immediately appropriated for its 
prosecution, and tlie president was authorized to accept the 
services of 50,000 volunteers. Public meetings were held in 
all parts of the country, and within a few weeks 200,000 men 
volunteered for the war. A magnificent plan of invasion 
was devised by government, with the aid of Gen. Scott. 
The Pacific coast of Mexico was to be attacked by a power- 
ful fleet, aided by a land force, to be designated " the Army 
of the West", which was to make its way across the Rocky 
Mountains, reducing in succession the northern provinces of 
the enemy. Another body, called "the Army of the Centre", 
was to march into the heart of Mexico and cooperate with 
Gen. Taylor's force, which was known as "the Army of 
Occupation". Gen. Wool, one of the heroes of Queenstown, 
was intrusted with the duty of mustering the volunteers. 
Before the close of July, he inspected and received into the 
service 12,000 men, 9,000 of w^hom were dispatched to the 
aid of Gen. Taylor, while the rest were sent to San Antonio, 
in Texas, to be disciplined and prepared for the field by Gen. 
Wool himself. 

568. On the 18th of May, Gen. Taylor crossed the Rio 
Grande and took possession of Matamoras, which was aban- 
doned by the enemy's troops. Moving along the south side 
of the river, he captured several other toAvns with little or 
no opposition ; but it was not till the end of August that he 
found himself strong enough to advance against Monterey 
[mon-td-rd'], whose massive walls of stone were defended by 
42 pieces of artillery. This city was prepared for either 
storm or siege. The houses were fortified, the streets barri- 
caded; and 10,000 Mexicans, most of them regulars, had 
assembled for its defence. On the 19th of September, 1846, 
Gen. Taylor with a little over 6,000 Americans encamped 
within three miles of Monterey. 

How many men volunteered for the war within a few weeks? Give the plan of the 
campaign sketched out by government. What duty was assigned to Gen. Wool, and 
how did he discharge it? 568. What did Gen. Taylor do on the ISth of May ? Give an 
account of his next movements. Near the end of August, against what place did he 
advance? [See Map, p. 426.— How is Monterey situated? Through what places did 
Taylor pass to reach it?] What preparations had been made in Monterey? With how 



1846] CAPTURE OF MONTEREY. 429 

Embosomed in mountains, Monterey was inaccessible, ex- 
cept from the northeast, in which direction Taylor Avas ap- 
proaching, and from the west by a road through a rocky 
gorge, connecting it with Saltillo \sahl-teel'-yo\. That he 
might cut oif the supplies of the city and attack it on both 
sides at once, Taylor dispatched Gen. Worth with 650 men 
to gain the Saltillo road in the rear of the city. With great 
difficulty and not without loss this was effected, by opening 
a new road over the mountains. Two batteries were gal- 
lantly carried ; the Bishop's Palace, an unfinished but 
strongly fortified stone building, was next taken ; and thus, 
after two days of suffering. Worth's command, considerably 
reduced in number, reached the walls of the city. 

Meanwhile the Americans on the other side were not idle. 
Under Generals Quitman, Butler, and Taylor himself^ they 
fought their way past one obstacle after another till they ef- 
fected a lodgment in the city. The grand assault was made 
September 23rd. A deadly fire was poured on the assail- 
ants from the houses and barricades which commanded the 
streets; but, moving on unflinchingly through it, they at 
length planted their victorious flag in the Plaza, or public 
square. Here entering the buildings on both sides of the 
streets, tliey forced their way through the walls from one to 
another by means of crowbars, and ascending to the roofs 
met the enemy hand to hand. Success crowned their exer- 
tions, though many fell. On the morning of the 24th, the 
city capitulated. The Mexicans were allowed to march out 
with the honors of war ; and Gen. Taylor, being short of 
provisions and assured that the Mexican government was 
about making proposals for peace, agreed to an armistice for 
eight weeks. 

569. Meantime Santa Anna, who at the commencement 
of the war was living as an exile at Havana, had returned to 
Mexico, President Polk, who believed that he would favor 



many men did Taylor appear before it ? By what two roads was Monterey accessible ? 
On what plan of attack did Taylor determine ? Give an account of Worth's movements. 
Give an account of the movements of the Americans on the other side. What was the 
result? To what did Gen. Taylor agree? 569. Relate the circumstances under which 



430 folk's administration. [i84:« 

the reestablishment of peace, having directed the American 
commodore in the Gulf to let him pass without molestation. 
On the arrival of this distinguished general, the spirits of the 
Mexicans revived. They deposed Paredes and elected Santa 
Anna president. Laying aside all thoughts of peace if he 
had ever entertained any, Santa Anna immediately set about 
raising a powerful army, and by December he had 20,000 
men concentrated at San Louis Potosi [po-to'-se]. 

5V0. Gen. Wool, having drilled his men into an effective 
army, set out from San Antonio on the 20th of September. 
After traversing a desert for miles without finding water or 
any trace of man, making their road as they advanced and 
suffering incredibly, this little force, on the last day of Octo- 
ber, reached Mon-clo'-va, 10 miles from Monterey. Here 
they were informed of the capture of the latter city ; and 
Wool, by Taylor's advice abandoning the idea of a separate 
invasion, advanced to a point from which he could keep the 
army at Monterey supplied with provisions. These were 
cheerfully furnished by the inhabitants, who found them- 
selves safer under American rule than they had been under 
their own government. Gen. Wool kept his men under rigid 
discipline, and studiously protected the persons and property 
of the Mexicans from injury. 

571. The armistice having terminated. Gen. Worth Avas 
sent to take possession of Saltillo ; and Taylor, leaving Gen. 
Butler as governor of Monterey, advanced to Victoria, with 
the intention of attacking Tampico [tam-2:)e'-co]. At Victoria 
he learned that Tampico had been already taken, and that 
he was superseded in the chief command by Gen. Scott, who 
had arrived at the seat of war. Though chagrined at the 
latter intelligence, yet when ordered to send the flower of 
his army to Scott, to fall back on Monterey, and act only on 
the defensive, Taylor promptly obeyed. Generals Worth 
and Quitman, and a large part of Wool's army, which had 

Santa Anna returned to Mexico. What course did he pursue after his return* 570. 
Give an account of Gen. Wool's movements. At Monclova, of what was he informed ? 
Whither did he next proceed ? How were the Mexicans treated ? 571. What were 
Taylor's movements on the expiration of the armistice? [See Map, p. 426. — How is Sal- 
tillo situated ? Victoria? Tampico?] What did Gen. Taylor learn at Victoria? What- 



1847] BA'ITLE OF BUENA VISTA. 431 

effected a junction with Worth's near Saltillo, were also or- 
dered to join the commander-in-chief. Taylor and Wool 
were thus left with a very small force to face an overwhelm- 
ing army mth which Santa Anna was advancing to crush 
them. Reinforcements, however, arriving during the month 
of February, swelled the American army to 6,000 men. Gar- 
risoning Monterey and Saltillo, Taylor boldly advanced with 
about 4,700 men, to meet four times that number of Mexicans 
now on their march from San Louis Potosi. Selecting a favor- 
able position at Buena Vista \hwaf-nali vees'-tah\ where the 
road passed through a narrow defile, the American general 
awaited the enemy. They were not long in arriving. On 
the 22nd of February, Santa Anna sent word to Gen. Taylor 
that he was surrounded by 20,000 men, and summoned him 
to surrender. Taylor declined the invitation, and made 
ready for an encounter which he felt would be the most try- 
ing in which he had yet engaged. 

At sunrise on the 23rd, the Mexicans commenced the 
battle of Buena Yista by trying to Outflank the Americans 
with a body of light troops which had pushed forward along 
the heights during the night ; but the rifles of Illinois drove 
them back. At 8 o'clock, a tremendous charge was made 
on the American centre ; but before its solid front and the 
deadly aim of Capt. Washington's artillery the enemy re- 
coiled in disorder. Their next attempt was on the left flank 
of the Americans, where an exposed position was held by an 
Indiana regiment. Here the enemy obtained a temporary 
advantage; and, rushing in overwhelming numbers along 
the mountain, they prepared to form in the rear of the 
Americans. At this critical moment, when the hearts of the 
bravest trembled for the result. Gen Taylor arrived at the 
threatened pomt, and ordered a Mississippi and a Kentucky 
regiment to keep the enemy in check. On their success de- 
pended the issue of the battle ; and well did they deserve 

orders did he receive? Who were directed to join the commauder-in-chief ? fn what 
condition were Taylor and Wool thus for a time left? To what number was their army 
reinforced in February? What was now done by Taylor? [See Map, p. 426. — Between 
what two places is Buena Vista situated ?] What message did Taylor receive Feb. 22nd ? 
What answer did he make ? How was the battle of Buena Vista commenced ? At 



432 



POLK'S ADMINISTRATION. 



[1847 




the post of hon- 
or. Closmg their 
ranks as their 
brave men fel 1 
before a galling | 
fire, and seasona- 
bly supported b} 
an Illinois and an 
Indiana regiment , 
they effectualh 
prevented this dt - 
tachment of tin 
enemy from fol- 
lowing up the ad- 
vantage they had 
gained. A des- 
perate charge on 
the rear of the 
Mexicans from 
body of American 

cavalry placed them in great danger of being completely cut 
off, — a fate which they escaped only by a timely retreat. 

Sherman's and Bragg's artillery did fearful execution 
throughout the engagement. In the last desperate encoun- 
ter, Bragg's battery, as soon as it came into play, caused 
the enemy to waver. Its effect was not lost on Gen. Taylor, 
who, though exposed all day in the thickest of the fight, had 
escaped ^dth only a bullet through his coat. " Give them a 
little more grape, Captain Bragg," exclaimed the veteran. 
The order was promptly obeyed. The enemy were repulsed ; 
and another \dctory against tremendous odds reflected glory 
on the American arms. Taylor's loss in killed, wounded, 
and missing, was 146 ; that of the enemy was nearly 2,000. 
The Americans rested on their arms that night, expecting to 

8 o'clock, what took place ? Give an account of the attack on the left flank of the 
Americans. [See Map.— On what road is Buena Vista ? What American leaders com- 
manded on the east of Buena Vista ?] What is said of Sherman's and Braggs artillery ? 
What passed between Gen. Taylor and Captain Bragg? What was the result of the 
battle of Buena Vista ? What was the loss on each side ? What did the Americans 



PLAN OF THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 



184:7] 



INVESTMENT OF VERA CRUZ. 



433 



renew the battle in the morning; but dawn revealed the 
fact that Santa Anna had retreated, leaving his dead and 
wounded behind him. After this brilliant victory, Taylor 
again encamped at Walnut Springs. He soon after returned 
to the United States, where he was received with well- 
deserved honors. 

572. Gen Scott commenced his campaign by an attack on 
Vera Cruz, which he invested with about 12,000 men on the 
12th of March. This city, the emporium of Mexican com- 
merce, was defended by the formidable castle of San Juan 
de Ulloa [san wlialm da ool-lo'-ah\ the strongest fortress in 
America, Quebec alone excepted. It had been erected by 
the Spaniards 250 years before, at an expense of $4,000,000. 
Inaccessible by land, as it stood a short distance fi'om the 
shore, surrounded by the waters of the Gulf, it commanded 




BOMBARDMENT OF VERA CRUZ. 



expect ? What did they find the following day ? Where did Taylor encamp ? What 
did he do soon after? 572. How did Gen. Scott commence his campaign ? [See Map, 
p. 426.— How is Vera Cruz situated ? In what direction is it from Mexico ?] Describe 

19 



434 folk's administration. [is -it 

the city and the surrounding plains with rows of frowning 
cannon. Scott's summons to surrender having been declined 
by the Mexican commander, a tremendous fire was opened 
from well-planted land batteries, as well as from an Ameri- 
can fleet under Commodore Conner. The bombardment 
was continued with eifect till March 26th, when the castle 
and city surrendered, with 5,000 men, 400 pieces of artillery, 
and a vast quantity of public stores. Appointing Worth 
governor of Vera Cruz, Gen. Scott prepared to march into 
the interior of the country. The American fleet proceeded 
to take possession of several neighboring ports on the Gulf. 
No injury to the person or property of private citizens was 
allowed. The harbors were opened to the commerce of all 
nations, and a tarifi" of duties on imports was established for 
the benefit of the American government. 

573. On the 8th of April, the advanced guard of the inva- 
ding army, under Gen. Twiggs, set out from Vera Cruz in 
the direction of the Mexican capital ; the commander-in- 
chief soon followed with his main body. In both divisions 
there were about 8,500 men. For fifteen miles on the road 
to Jalapa \hah-lah''-pah\ they encountered no resistance; 
but as they approached the Cordilleras \co7'-deel-ya' -ras\ they 
learned that the rocky pass of Cerro Gordo \thdi/-ro gor'-do\ 
had been strongly fortified, and was held by Santa Anna 
with 12,000 men. To dislodge an enemy superior in num- 
bers from the commanding heights of this mountain-pass, 
required the best efibrts of courage, energy, and military 
science. But one of the great captains of the age was be- 
fore it, to whom no enterprise that promised glory and 
profit to his country seemed impossible. Constructing a new 
road over steep ascents and rocky chasms, he fell upon the 
enemy in an unexpected quarter. Their determined resist- 
ance availed nothing before the bayonets of their assailants, 
and soon the flag of Mexico gave place to the stars and 



the castle of San Juan de Ulloa. Give an account of the bombardment of Vera Cruz. 
In what did it result? What were Scott's next movements? What was done by the 
American fleet? 573. What took place April Sth ? With how many men did Scott com- 
mence tlie invasion of Mexico ? Whpre did he encounter the first resistance ? Describe 



184:7] THE U. S. ARMY ENTERS PUEBLA. 435 

stripes. The rout was complete. Santa Anna, who had 
shortly before declared that he would die fighting rather than 
that the Americans should tread the imperial city of the 
Aztecs (Mexico), attempted to escape in his travelhng car- 
riage, but finally, for the sake of greater speed, took to a 
mule, leaving to his pursuers his private papers and wooden 
leg. This latter trophy, dressed in a boot of exquisite work- 
manship, was afterwards exhibited in the United States. The 
Mexican loss at Cerro Gordo was 1,000 men in killed and 
wounded, 3,000 prisoners (including five generals), and 48 
pieces of artillery. The total loss on the part of the Ameri- 
cans was 431. 

574. The day after the battle (April 19th), the victorious 
army entered Jalapa. Continuing their march with all haste, 
they took without resistance the strong castle of Perote [ ji>a- 
ro'-ta] on a peak of the Cordilleras. On the 15th of May, 
they entered the ancient city of Puebla \_2^oo-a-bIa7i], inhabit- 
ed by 80,000 souls. As the triumphant army marched into 
the city, the people with eager curiosity gazed upon them 
from A\andows and house-tops ; but no showy uniform, like 
that of their own troops, adorned the Americans, and they 
turned away in disappointment, declaring that it must be 
their " gray-headed leaders" that had gained their \'ictories. 
At Puebla Gen. Scott remained till further attempts at ne- 
gotiation were made ; but the Mexicans were not yet satis- 
fied ; and, having received reinforcements, he garrisoned the 
city, and on the lih of August resumed his march for the 
capital with upwards of 10,000 men. 

575. The route of the Americans lay through an elevated 
table-land, described as one of the most dehghtful regions in 
the world. It led them at length by successive ascents to 
the towering summits of the Cordilleras, whence, like the 

the position of Cerro Gordo. Give an account of the battle. What became of Santa 
Anna ? What was done with his wooden leg ? What was the loss on each side ? 574 
Wliat place was reached by the American army the day after the battle of Cerro Gordo ? 
What castle did they next take ? What city did they enter on the 15th of May ? [See 
Map. p. 4-26.— What was the general direction of Scott's route ? In what direction is 
Ja'apa from Vera Cruz? In what direction is Puebla from Mexico? How is Perote 
situated?] What is said of the people of Puebla? When and with how many men 
did Scott resume his march ? 575. Describe the country through which he passed. 



436 folk's administration. [184:7 

adventurous army of Cortez three centuries before, they 
looked down upon a magnificent landscape of mountains and 
valleys, lakes and cities, embosoming in the far distance the 
proud city of the Montezumas. Without resistance, they 
continued their advance to within fifteen miles of the capital. 
There, and in strong advanced forts, which defended it on 
all sides, the Mexicans had rallied" for a final stand. The 
city itself was favorably situated for defence, in the midst of 
a marsh (in Cortez' time a lake), connected with the adjacent 
land by long causeways commanded by artillery. But Gen. 
Scott was now, as he had proved himself at all other times, 
equal to the occasion. 

Leaving the Yera Cruz road, Scott turned to the south ; 
and, with the aid of skilful engineers, leading his army over 
rocks and chasms which the enemy had considered impassa- 
ble, he reached San Antonio, on the Acapulco [ah-kah-pooV- 
c6] road, eight miles from Mexico. Against this strong and 
well-garrisoned j^lace Gen. Worth Avas sent, while the divi- 
sions of Generals Pillow and Twiggs, embracing the brigades 
of Pierce (since president of the United States), Cadwalla- 
der, Riley, and Smith, passed on to storm the Mexican camp 
at Contreras \cdn-trd' -ras\ held by Gen. Valencia \yah-len'- 
she-ct] with 6,000 men. Even if these points were carried, 
Santa Anna with 12,000 men and the embattled heights of 
Churubusco \choo-ro-boos'-co] still lay between the invading 
army and the capital. Towards sunset on the 19th of Au- 
gust, Gen. Shields succeeded in taking the village of Ansalda 
[a/m-sahr-da/i]^ and thus cut off communication between the 
camp at Contreras and Santa Anna's army. A rainy night 
rendered the condition of the American soldiers comfortless 
in the extreme. About midnight they were summoned to 
arms. Gen. Persifer F. Smith having conceived the bold de- 
sign of surprising Contreras. The darkness was so intense 
that the men had to touch each other as they marched, to 



How near the capital did the Americans get -without encountering resistance ? What 
is said of the defences of the city ? Leaving the Vera Cruz road, what did Gen. Scott 
do ? Who was ordered to attack San Antonio ? What disposition was made of the rest 
of the army? What advantage was gained by Gen. Shields? What kind of a night 



184:7] ADVANCE UPON THE CAPITAL. ' 437 

avoid being separated. They reached the ground by sun- 
rise, stormed the Mexican camp, and took it in a quarter of 
an hour, making prisoners of 813 men. 

This was the first victory gained on the memorable 20th 
of August, 1847. The same day. Gen. Worth drove the 
garrison of San Antonio from their defences, and then, joined 
by Pillow, with equal success stormed a stronghold on the 
heights of Churubusco. Gen. Twiggs captured another of 
the defences on the heights, and Churubusco surrendered. 
Meanwhile Shields and Pierce had kept Santa Anna and his 
reserve from coming to the aid of their countrymen, and 
finally, after maintaining their ground for hours with steady 
courage against overwhelming numbers, drove them from 
the field. Thus were five separate victories gained in a 
single day. A force of 32,000 Mexicans was completely 
broken up, with the loss of 7,000 men, by an army of not 
much more than one-fourth of their number. The Ameri- 
cans during this trying day had 139 killed and 876 wounded. 

576. Before humbling the Mexicans by entering their cap- 
ital as a victor. Gen. Scott gave them an opportunity of treat- 
ing, but his overtures were again rejected. On the 8th of 
September, Gen. Worth was ordered to storm Molino del 
Rey \mo-le'-no del ra\ {the king^s mill)^ the site of a large 
foundry, at which the church-bells of the city were being 
cast into cannon. Worth encountered an army of nearly 
14,000 Mexicans, whom he defeated after a hard-fought bat- 
tle. This position being carried, the precipitous heights of 
Chapultepec {chah-pooV -ta-pelc\^ crowned by an almost im- 
pregnable castle, lay next in the path of the invading army ; 
but the indomitable valor of the Americans, led on one side 
by Pillow and Cadwallader and on the other by Quitman, 
again proved triumphant, and on the 13th of September the 
American flag was jDlanted on " the monarch fortification of 
the valley of Mexico", 

followed ? What bold design was conceived by Gen. Smith ? Eelate the circumstances 
attending its execution. What was the result? What victories were gained by Gen. 
Worth on this memorable 20th of August? What victory was gained by Gen. Twiggs ? 
What by Shields and Pierce? What was the number engaged and the loss on each side? 
57C, Before entering the capital, what did Gen. Scott do ? Give an account of the bat-^ 



438 



POLK S ADMINISTRATION. 







7M^^ h 




Gen. Quitman pursued the flying Mexicans to the very 
entrance of the city, took several batteries and the gate they 
defended, and maintained his position in spite of the most 
strenuous efforts of the enemy. Worth advanced by a more 
ckcuitous route, and was also successful, though his division 
met with heavy loss. The Americans were prevented from 
taking immediate possession of the city only by the approach 
of darkness. Santa Anna, with most of his army and the 
principal officers of the state, effected his escape during the 
night. Before dawn on the 14th of September, Gen. Scott 
was waited on by a deputation from the city, with an offer 
of surrender ; but they came too late ; Gen. Scott would 
now grant no terms of capitulation. The following morning 
(September 14th), Worth and Quitman penetrated mto the 
heart of the city. The U. S. flag was soon flying from the 
National Palace ; and Gen. Scott, after one of the most mas- 
terly and successful campaigns on record, entered the Aztec 
capital in triumph, amid the cheers of his companions in 

Oe of Molino del Rey. Give an account of the battle of Chapultepec. Who pursued 
the Mexicans to the city ? [See Map.— By what gate did Worth enter? What cause- 
ways led to the city ?] Wliat prevented the Americans from taking immediate posses- 
sion ? What was done by Santa Anna and the officers of government during the night ? 
What offer was now made to Gen. Scott? How did he receive it? What took place 



184:T] 



SIEGE OF PUEBLA. 



439 



arms. For twent}^-four hours the victorious army were an- 
noyed by a desultory fire from wmdows, by-streets, and 
roof-tops, proceeding chiefly from convicts, who to the num- 
ber of 2,000 had been hberated from prison by the retirmg 
government. But order was at length restored; the citizens 
who had fled, returned ; and business was resumed. 



t 




♦'lytilif 



-# 




ENTRANCE OK THK AMERICAN ARMY INTO MEXICO. 

577. Eighteen hundred sick men had been left by Gen. 
Scott at Puebla, under the charge of Col. Childs and a small 
garrison. The Mexicans embraced the opportunity to be- 
siege the place. Childs, though hard pressed and ^vithout 
adequate means of defence, made a most gallant resistance ; 
and, by dint of almost superhuman exertions on the part of 
his men, succeeded in keeping his besiegers at bay, even 
after they were joined by Santa Anna with several .thousands 
of his fugitive troops from the capital. Fortunately, Gen. 

on the Utb of September ? How were the victorious army for a time annoyed ? 577. 
Give an account of the siege of Puebla by the Mexicans. How was it raised? 578. 



440 folk's administration. [1846 

eral Lane, on his way to the capital with recruits for the 
American army, heard of Colonel Childs' critical position. 
Hastening to his reUef, he defeated the enemy and raised 
the siege. 

578. In June, 1846, Col. Kearney [Jcar'-ne] (soon made 
general) started from Fort Leavenworth with 1,000 men, 
constituting " the army of the west", to reduce the northern 
provinces of the enemy, and make his way to the Pacific. 
A march of 900 miles brought him to Santa Fe [fa], the 
capital of New Mexico, the army that had occupied it fleeing 
on his approach. Having organized a government and gar- 
risoned Santa Fe, Kearney continued his march. He had 
not gone far when he was met by Kit Carson, the famous 
hunter and guide of the Rocky Mountains, with the intelli- 
gence that California, which constituted the northwestern 
part of Mexico, was already conquered by Commodore 
Stockton and Col. Fre'-mont. We must go back, to relate 
the circumstances. 

Fremont had been sent out by government in 1 842 with a 
small party to explore the Kocky Mountain region. On the 
15th of August, he reached the highest ridge of that great 
chain, and beheld before him a snow-crowned peak which 
towered high above the surrounding eminences. It was de- 
termined to ascend to its summit and plant the American 
flag higher than it had ever waved before. Leaving their 
mules, the little party clambered up the precipitous side of 
the mountain, holding on by its jagged projections. At 
length their leader reached the top. He stood on a dizzy 
crest but three feet wide, a sheer precipice of 500 feet yawn- 
ing before him. Each man having ascended in turn, the 
American flag was fastened to a ramrod fixed in a crevice 
of the summit, and left unfurled to the mountain breeze. 

Fremont, having accomplished the object of his mission, 
was again sent out in 1845, to explore the great basin of the 
Salt Lake,' California, and Oregon. Having passed the win- 
Give an account of Kearney's expedition. By whom was Kearney met? With what 
intelligence? For what purpose had Fremont been sent out by government in 1S42? 
Give an account of the unfurling of the American flag on the Rocky Mountains. When 



1846] 



CONQUEST OF CALIFORNIA. 



441 



ter in California, he re- 
ceived dispatches in the 
sprmg of 1846, informing 
him that war would prob- 
ably soon break out be- 
tween the U. States and 
Mexico. He at once re- 



.-^, 
"7"' 




UNFURLING OF THE U. 8. FLAG ON THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS. 



solved to erect California into a separate government. Call- 
ing together the people, particularly the American settlers in 
the valley of the Sacramento, he set before them the condi- 
tion of the country, and recommended them to declare their 
independence. This was done on the 5th of July, 1846. Skir- 
mishes ensued Tvdtli different bodies of Mexicans. While 
pursuing one of these, Fremont was informed that Commo- 
dore Stockton had taken Monterey, on the Pacific coast, with 
a U. S. fleet. Immediately laying aside the flag of independ- 
ent California, which bore a bear for its device, he raised the 
colors of the United States in its stead, and joined Commo- 
dore Stockton. By their united forces the seat of govern- 
ment and other places were soon afterwards taken. 

579. On receiving this intelligence, Kearney sent back 
part of his men to Santa Fe, and proceeded with the remain- 
der to the Pacific. After being nearly cut off by overwhelm- 
ing forces of Mexicans, he succeeded in reaching his country- 
was Fremont sent out again? For what purpose? What iuforniation did he receive 
in the spring of 1846? Upon this, give an account of his proceedings. While pursu- 
iDg a body of Mexicans, what did he learn ? What did he then do ? 5T9. What were 

19- 



442 folk's administration. [i84:T 

men, and took part in the battle of San Gabriel [gah' -bre-et\ 
(January 8th, 1847), which completed the estabhshment of 
American power in California. Never before was so exten- 
sive a comitry subjugated by so small a force. 

580. Soon after Kearney left Santa Fe, Col. Doniphan by 
his command set out ^ath nearly 1,000 Missourians for the 
country of the Navajo \9iah-vaii/-h6\ Indians, from Avhoni 
hostilities were apprehended. They were induced to make 
a treaty of peace ; and Doniphan then turned to the south- 
east, traversed extensive deserts, in which his men nearly 
sunk from Avant of food and water, defeated an army of 
Mexicans more than four times as large as his own, entered 
the city of Chihuahua \che-whah' -whah\ and took formal 
possession of the province of which it was the capital, in the 
name of the United States. Towards the close of May, he 
eifected a junction with Gen. Wool at Saltillo ; and shortly 
afterwards, the time of his men having expired, he led them 
back to New Orleans. They had marched 5,000 miles, and 
encountered adventures and hardships which seemed almost 
like the inventions of romance. 

581. After his defeat by Gen. Lane, Santa Anna, deserted 
by his troops, fled to the coast and thence to the West In- 
dies. The Americans being everywhere victorious, the Mex- 
ican government no longer refused to come to terms. On 
the 2nd of February, 1848, a treaty was signed at Guada- 
loupe Hidalgo \c)Vjah-dali-loo' -pa he-dahl'-go\ ; by which 
Mexico relinquished to the United States the territory be- 
tween the Nueces and Rio Grande, together Avith the whole 
of New Mexico and California ; the United States agree- 
ing on its part to pay for this extensive region $15,000,000, 
and to assume debts due from Mexico to American citizens 
to the amount of $3,500,000. . This treaty having been rati- 
fied by both governments, peace was proclaimed by Presi- 
dent Polk on the 4th of July, 1848. 

Kearney's movements on receiving this intelligence ? In what battle did he take part? 
5S0. Give an account of Doniphan's expedition. Towards the close of May, whom did 
he join? Where did he then lead his men? What is said of their march and adven- 
tures? 581. What became of Santa Anna? What change took place in the feelings of 
the Mexican government ? When and where was a treaty signed ? What were its con- 



1848] DISCOVEKY OF GOLD IN CALIFORNIA. 443 

682. California, from tlie time of its conquest, increased 
rapidly in population, numerous emigrants fiudmg their way 
thither from the other side of the Rocky Mountams In 
March, 1848, when it was formally ceded to the U. b., it was 
estunated to contain 33,000 inhabitants. The followmg June, 
a discovery was made, which produced momentous changes 
in the condition of California, and made itself felt through- 
out the world. A laborer in the employ of Captam Sutter, 
a Swiss who had settled in the valley of the Sacramento 
found in the sand some glittering particles, which turned out 
to be gold. Similar discoveries were soon made m other 
pkces in the neighborhood. An excitement which trans- 
cends description seized on the inhabitants ; forsakmg their 
farms and shutting up their houses, they flocked to the tor- 
tunate spot. The news soon reached the Atlantic States. 
Hundreds at once set out for the land of gold ; ami not from 
the United St.ates only, but from all parts of Europe, and 




1 • /I ") «^ao What is said of California, from the time 
ditions? When was peace pvocWed? 582 Whatj said ^ the excitement 

of its conquest? What discovery was made in June, li>*s . 



444 folk's administration. [is^s 

even from far-distant China, did the tide of immigration flow, 
men of every grade in society giving themselves up to its 
cm-rent. Within two years from the date of the discovery, 
San Francisco had grown from an insignificant village of a 
few miserable huts to a flourishing city containing 15,000 
souls. Hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of the pre- 
cious metal have been dug from the earth, nor is the hidden 
treasure yet exhausted. 

583. On the 23rd of February, 1848, ex-president John 
Quincy Adams, who from 1831 had served his native state 
in the house of representatives, died of paralysis, with which 
he had been struck two days before while in his seat attend- 
ing to his official duties. His dying words were, " This is the 
last of earth ! I am content !" A life devoted almost wholly 
to the service of his country gave him strong claims on her 
gratitude, and the highest honors were paid to his memory. 

584. Wisconsin, which had been formed into a territory 
in 1836, was admitted into the Union as a state in 1848. 
In March, 1849, Minnesota Territory was organized. 

585. The probability that the war with Mexico would re- 
sult in the acquisition of extensive territory on the south- 
west, early led to a re-agitation of the slavery question. In 
1 846, David Wilmot, of Pennsylvania, introduced into Con- 
gress a proposition, called from him the Wilmot Proviso, 
that slavery should be prohibited m all territory that might 
be acquired by treaty. This proviso failed to receive the 
sanction of Congress ; and, the question being thrown be- 
fore the country for discussion, a party holding the views 
advocated by Mr. Wilmot was organized. They took the 
name of Free Soilers, and in June, 1848, nominated Martin 
Van Buren as their candidate for the presidency. The dem- 
ocrats brought forward Gen. Lewis Cass, of Michigan ; the 
whigs. Gen. Taylor, whose brilliant victories in the Mexican 

that followed. Whence did immigrants pour in ? What is said of the growth of San 
Francisco ? What is said of the yield of gold ? 583. Give an account of the death of 
Jolin Quincy Adams. 5S4. When was Winconsin made a territory? When, a state? 
What territory was organized in 1849 ? 585. Soou after the commencement of the war. 
what question began to be re-agitated? What was the Wilmot Proviso? What was 
its fate ? What party was soon after organized ? Whom did they nominate for the 



1849] GENERAL TAYLOR BECOMES PRESIDENT. 445 

War had made him a decided favorite with the nation. Tay- 
lor was elected, and with him Millard Fillmore, of New York, 
as vice-president. Mr. Polk resigned the country into the 
hands of his successor on the 4th of March, 1849, and re- 
turned to his home at Nashville, Tennessee, where he died 
the following June, at the age of 54, esteemed and lamented 
by men of all parties. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

ADMINISTRATION OF TAYLOR AND FILLMORE, 1849-1853. 

586. Zachary Taylor was born in Virginia on the 24th 
of November, 1784. The following year his father emigra- 
ted to Kentucky, and his youth was passed amid the dan- 
gers and privations of frontier life. He was brought up a 
farmer, but in 1808 gave up this vocation for a military life, 
having received a commission in the army from President 
Jefferson. The war of 1812 brought him into active service, 
and he distinguished himself in the northwest, particularly 
in the defence of Fort Harrison against the Indians. His 
services in the Seminole War and subsequently in Mexico 
have been already noticed. 

Millard Fillmore was born in 1800 in Cayuga county, 
N. Y. He was apprenticed in early life to a wool-carder ; 
but his superior talents attracted the attention of a promi- 
nent lawyer of Cayuga, in whose office he commenced in 
1819 a course of legal study. On being admitted to the 
practice of law, he rapidly rose to distinction. After serv- 
ing in the legislature and in Congress, he ran in 1844 for the 
office of governor of New York, but was defeated. Stand- 
ing high in the confidence of the whigs, he was placed on 
the same ticket with Taylor, and with him took the oath of 
office on the 5th of March, 1849. 

presidency ? Whom did the democrats and whigs nominate ? Who was elected ? What 
is said of the death of Mr. Polk? 
586. Give an account of Taylor's early life. Of Fillmore's. When did tbey take the 



446 Taylor's administration. [1849 

587. Gen. Taylor appointed John M. Clayton, of Dela- 
ware, secretary of state. He was the first president whose 
cabinet contained a Secretary of the Interior. This new 
department was created just before the close of Polk's term, 
to relieve the secretary of the treasury and his subordinates 
of some of their multifarious duties. 

588. So rapidly did California increase in population that 
in 1849 its people took measures for admission into the Union 
as a state, and adopted a constitution with a clause prohibit- 
ing slavery. The mtroduction of their petition into the 
thirty-first Congress kindled an intense excitement and con- 
vulsed the whole country. Part of the territory in question 
was south of the dividing line established by the Missouri 
Compromise, and southern senators declared that the pro- 
hibition of slavery there would be followed by the immedi- 
ate dissolution of the Union. Other questions arose to 
complicate this main issue, and it seemed as if human wis- 
dom would be incompetent to settle the momentous points 
in dispute satisfactorily to the conflicting interests concerned. 
Never since its formation was the Union in such danger. 
At this crisis, when every friend of his country trembled for 
the result, Henry Clay, again appearing as a peacemaker 
between excited sections, brought before the senate a series 
of resolutions covering the whole ground at issue. With all 
that glowing eloquence which placed him among the great- 
est of modern orators, he urged the necessity of mutual con- 
cession and compromise, and called on extreme men on both 
sides to forbear from overthrowing the glorious fabric which 
had been cemented by the blood of their fathers. 

A committee of thirteen, of which Mr. Clay was chairman, 
was finally appointed to consider the whole subject. In May, 
1850, this committee presented an elaborate report, which, in 
the spirit of Clay's resolutions, recommended an act that set- 
tled all the points at issue. The leading provisions of this 

oath of office ? 587. Who was appointed secretary of state ? What new cabinet officer 
did Taylor appoint? 588. What question now arose to excite Congi-ess and the whole 
country? What did southern senators declare? Describe the state of feeling. Who 
attempted to settle the difficulty? What was Clay's course? To whom was the whole 
subject referred by the senate? When did this committee report? What name was 



1850] DEATH OF CALHOUN AND TAYLOK. 447 

Omnibus Bill, as it was called, were as follows: — 1. That, 
according to agreement made when Texas was annexed, new 
states not exceeding four should be formed out of her terri- 
tory, to be admitted with or without slavery as they might 
choose. 2. That California should be admitted as a free 
state. 3. That territorial governments should be established 
for Xew Mexico and Utah, without any stipulation on the 
subject of slavery. 4. That Texas should give up its claim to 
the territory of New Mexico, in consideration of $10,000,000 
to be paid her from the federal treasury. ' 5. That a more 
efficient law should be passed for the recovery of fugitive 
slaves. 6. That the slave-trade should be prohibited in the 
District of Columbia under heavy penalties. Such was the 
bill which as a whole was urged upon Congress by the united 
voice of the committee. To its discussion the summer of 
1850 was mainly devoted. 

589. In the midst of the excitement just described died 
one of the great men of the nation, John C. Calhoun. Born 
in South Carolina in 1782, he was sent to Congress in 1811, 
and from that time till his decease served in various pubHc 
stations, distinguished no less for his unselfish and incorrupt- 
ible patriotism than for his close and lucid reasoning. From 
the close of Tyler's term he had represented his native state 
in the senate, where he was regarded as the most formidable 
champion of state rights and southern interests. His death, 
which took place at Washington on the 31st of March, 1850, 
deprived the senate of one of its most brilliant ornaments 
and the country of a pure and enlightened statesman. 

590. On the 9th of July, the country a second time suffered 
bereavement in the loss of its honored chief. Taylor, like 
Harrison, fell at his post. A sincere patriot, with mtense 
honesty of purpose and executive abilities of a high order, 
his death at this juncture when his country needed every 
true heart and hand was considered a national affliction. 

given to the bill they presented? State the principal provisions of the Omnibus Bill. 
How long was it discussed ? 589. In the midst of the excitement, what distinguished 
man died ? What is said of Calhoun's previous life? For what was he distinguished? 
How was he regarded? When and where did he die? 590. What melancholy event 
took place on the 9th of July ? What is said of President Taylor ? How was his death 



448 Fillmore's administration. [is so 

Public business was suspended, and eulogies were pronounced 
upon him by leading statesmen of all parties. By his decease 
Fillmore became president ; and, the former cabinet having 
resigned, Daniel Webster was appointed secretary of state. 

591. The Omnibus Bill having been thoroughly discussed, 
its provisions were separately agreed to, the Fugitive Slave 
Law, which was the last to receive the assent of Congress, 
passing on the 18th of September. Mr. Fillmore, who had 
earnestly striven to restore harmony, gladly affixed his signa- 
ture to the bill. The country was once more at peace. Clay 
had achieved his last and greatest triumph. 

592. California thus entered the Union as the thirty-first 
state. Of the new territories organized by the Omnibus Bill, 
New Mexico, which was inhabited chiefly by Spaniards and 
Indians, contained at this time 61,525 free whites. Utah 
embraced a vast region between the Rocky Mountains and 
California, extending from New Mexico on the south to Or- 
egon on the north. The Mormons, on leaving Illinois, select- 
ed it as the seat of the empire to which they believed them- 
selves destined. Near the Great Salt Lake, at an elevation 
of 4,300 feet above the level of the sea, they founded a 
magnificent capital, with streets eight rods in width and 
fine dwellings surrounded by delightful gardens. Brigham 
Young, one of their elders, was appointed governor of Utah 
by Mr. Fillmore. 

593. About the commencement of Gen. Taylor's term, the 
island of Cuba became an object of general interest. Some 
adventurous si3irits, believing that its annexation would be 
advantageous to the U. S. and that its inhabitants only wait- 
ed for an opportunity to throw off the Spanish yoke, pre- 
pared to make an armed descent on this lovely " queen of the 
Antilles," now nearly all that remained to Spain of her grand 
empire in the Indies. Pres. Taylor, in a proclamation issued 
August 11th, 1849, cautioned his fellow-citizens against vio- 

regarded ? Who became president on bis decease ? Who was appointed secretary of 
state? 591. Give an account of the passage of tlie Omnibus Bill. 592. What is said of 
New Mexico? What, of Utah? What, of the Mormon capital ? Whom did Fillmore 
appoint governor of Utah ? 593. What island tad shortly before this attracted attention ? 
What was proposed by some ? What proclamation was issued by Pres. Taylor ? Not- 



1850] CUBAN EXPEDITIONS OF LOPEZ. 44:9 

lating the neutrality laws of the land by engaging in any 
such enterprise ; but his warning was disregarded, and an 
armed expedition was secretly organized under General 
Lo^-pez. Six hundred men, having eluded the U. S. author- 
ities, sailed for the island and effected a landing at Cardenas 
[car'-dd-nas] on the 19th of May, 1850. They took the 
place, but finding that neither the Cubans nor any of the 
Spanish troops were disposed to join them, as had been rep- 
resented, they deemed it best to reembark, and made their 
way to Key West, Florida, closely pursued by a Spanish 
war-steamer. The followmg year, the excitement was re- 
newed- Lopez organized another company of 480 men, 
with which he succeeded in getting off from 'New Orleans 
and landed on the northern coast of Cuba. The Spanish 
aathorities were not unprepared to receive him, 40,000 
troops having been concentrated on the island. Lopez was 
attacked and defeated; his army was dispersed, and he 
himself, with a number of his followers, was executed at Ha- 
vana. 

594. Great anxiety was felt at this time, both in England 
and the United States, respecting the fate of Sir John Frank- 
lin, an English navigator who had sailed in the spring of 1845 
to. explore the Arctic seas and find a northern passage to the 
Pacific. No tidings having been received of his party, it was 
feared that they might be sufiermg for want of succor. Sev- 
eral expeditions were sent in search of the missing navigators, 
one of which, fitted out by Henry Grinnell, a N. Y. merchant, 
at his own expense, started for the North in May, 1850, un- 
der Lieut. De Haven, of the U. S. navy. The search was 
prosecuted for more than a year, but neither Sir John Frank- 
lin nor the long-sought passage round America on the North 
was discovered. Another expedition, undertaken for the 
same humane purpose by the TJ. S. government in connec- 
tion with Mr. Grinnell, left New York in May, 1853, under 

•withstanding this, who secretly organized an expedition ? Give an account of it ? What 
was its fate? Give an account of the invasion of Cuba by Lopez, the following year. 
594. On what subject was great anxiety felt at this time? What is told respecting Sir 
John Franklin ? Give an account of the first expedition sent out from the U. S. to search 
for him. Give an account of the second. What was no doubt the fate of Franklin? 



450 Fillmore's administeation. [issa 

Dr. E. K. Kane, one of the most resolute and scientific ex- 
plorers of the age ; but Sir John and his brave men could not 
be found, and no doubt is now entertained of their having 
perished in the far North. 

595. In 1852, America was bereaved of two of her greatest 
men, Henry Clay and Daniel Webster. Clay was born in 
1777 in Virginia, near a region known as the Slashes^ w^hence 
in political campaigns he was often called " the mill-boy of 
the Slashes". He was admitted to the Richmond bar at the 
age of twenty, and soon afterwards removed to Lexington, 
Kentucky, where he practiced with eminent success. In 
1806, he was sent to the U. S. senate ; and both in that body 
and in all the public stations he was called to occupy, he 
proved himself a practical statesman of liberal views and far- 
reaching sagacity. On three separate occasions he was the 
means of setthng complicated questions which threatened 
the very existence of the Union. In j^rivate life no man was 
more beloved ; and when on the 28th of June, 1852, it was 
announced that Henry Clay was no more, tears burst from 
many an eye unused to weeping. — Webster, another man ol 
giant intellect and the author of some of the finest state pa- 
pers on record, died at Marshfield, Mass., on the 24th of Oc- 
tober, in the same year. Born in New Hampshire in 1782, 
he was sent to Congress at the age of thirty-one ; and from 
that time much of his life was devoted to the pubhc service. 
" I still live," he said, as anxious friends pressed round his 
dying bed : they were his last words. His memory, with 
that of his illustrious compeers Clay and Calhoun, will ever 
be kept green. 

596. During 1852, different parts of the country were vis- 
ited by Louis Kossuth \lco-shoot'\ who arrived at Xew York 
in the preceding December. Kossuth had attempted, with 
many of his countrymen, to estabhsh the independence of 
Hungary ; but, defeated in his efforts by the combined ar- 
mies of Austria and Russia, he had been compelled to seek 

595. How was America bereaved in 1852? Give a sketch of the life of Henry Clay. 
When did he die? When and where did Webster die? What is told respecting his 
afe ? What were his last words ? 596. Who visited the United States in 1851 ? Who 



1853] REJECTION OF THE '* TEIPAKTITE TREATY." 451 

safety in flight. His object in visiting the United States 
was to obtain aid for further eflbrts in behalf of Hungarian 
mdejDendence. This he succeeded in obtaining to a consid- 
erable extent from private individuals; but government, 
though it sympathized with his cause, refused to depart from 
its loug-estabUshed j)olicy of not interfering in the affaks of 
foreign nations. 

597. A temporary difficulty with Great Britain occurred 
in the summer of 1852. American citizens enjoyed, by trea- 
ty, the right of fishing on the Banks of Newfoundland, ex- 
cept within three miles of shore. In the case of bays, the 
British construed this clause to mean within three miles of a 
line drawn from headland to headland ; while the Americans 
claimed the right of entering within .headlands provided they 
kept three miles from shore. Both parties sent ships of-war 
to the Banks to enforce their ^dews, but happily the question 
was soon settled by negotiation. 

598. The attempts that had been made on Cuba rendered 
France and England anxious lest the United States should 
seek to annex that island to her domain. They accordingly 
asked her to miite with them in a " tripartite treaty", by 
which each power should disclaim all intention of seizing 
upon Cuba, and guarantee its possession to Spain. This 
called forth a masterly reply from Edward Everett, of Mas- 
sachusetts, who since Webster's decease had held the office 
of secretary of state. In rejecting the proposal, Mr. Everett 
took occasion to set forth the Monroe doctrine in the strong- 
est terms, declaring that, while the United States had no 
intention of violating her good faith towards Spain, she did 
not recognize in any European power the right of interfering 
in questions that were purely American. 

599. At the presidential election of 1852, the democrats 
brought forward Franklm Pierce, of New Hampshire ; the 
whigs. Gen. Winfield Scott. The former was elected by a 

was Kossuth? What was his object? With what success did he meet? 597. What 
gave rise to a difficulty with Great Britain inlS52? How was it settled? 59S. What 
proposal did France and England make to the United Sta,tes? What led them to make 
it ? What answer was returned by Mr. Everett ? 599. Who were the candidates at the 
next presidential election ? Who was elected president? Who, vice-president? 



452 Pierce's administration. [1853 

large majority, and with him William R. King, of Alabama, 
as vice-president. Pierce was inaugurated on the 4th of 
March, 1855. 



CHAPTER XV. 

PIERCE'S ADMINISTRATION, 1853-1857. 

600. A NATIVE of Hillsborough, New Hampshire, and a 
graduate of Bowdoin College, Franklin Pierce commenced 
life as a lawyer. Having become a successful practitioner, 
he was sent to the legislature of his native state, and thence 
to the lower house of Congress. In 1837, he was elected 
to the IJ. S. senate, being then but thirty-three years of age. 
After five years' service in this body, he returned to private 
life. The commencement of hostilities in Mexico called him 
into the field as a volunteer. He received from President 
Polk a commission as brigadier-general, and conducted him- 
self creditably in several of the most trying battles fought 
during the advance upon Mexico. — Mr. King, the \dce- 
president, was one of the senators first elected by Alabama 
in 1819, and had retained his seat ever since by successive 
elections except for four years, during which he had been 
U. S. minister at the French court. Declining health led 
him to visit Cuba early in 1853, and on that island he took 
the oath of office as vice-president. His recovery proving 
hopeless, he returned to Alabama, where he died April 1 8th, 
1853. — William L. Marcy, of New York, became secretary 
of state under the new administration. 

601. Shortly after his inauguration. Gen. Pierce was called 
to take part in the opening ceremonies of an " exhibition of 
the industry of all nations", or World's Fair. England had 
set the example in 1851 by erecting a magnificent building, 
and inviting the different nations to contribute specimens of 

600. Give a sketch of the previous life of President Pierce. Give an account of Vice- 
president King's previous career. When and where did Mr. King die? Who was ap- 
pointed secretary of state? 601. What exhibition opened in the summer of 1S53? 
Where was the first world's fair held ? What were the different nations invited to con- 



1853] s RESCUE OF MARTIN KOSZTA. 453 

their inventions, manufactures, agricultural products, and 
TTorks of art. A similar enteriDrise Avas projected in the 
United States. A Crystal Palace, the frame of which was 
composed exclusively of iron and glass, was constructed by 
a stock company in the city of New York, filled with the 
choicest products of foreign and domestic labor, and opened 
to the public on the 14th of July, 1853. Thousands visited 
it, from all parts of the country ; and, though in a pecuniary 
point of view the enterprise w^as unsuccessful, it had a most 
happy efiect on the industrial interests of the new world, by 
l^roducing a spii-it of generous emulation, and difiusmg cor- 
rect ideas of the advance of art and industry abroad. 

602. Difficulties with several foreign nations occurred early 
in Pierce's administration. The first of these was with Mex- 
ico, and grew out of the incorrectness of the maps on which 
the treaty with that country had been based. The boundary 
of the territory ceded to the United States thus became a 
matter of question ; and Santa Anna, whom another revolu- 
tion had placed at the head of affairs, proceeded to occupy 
the disputed district. War was averted by negotiation, and 
the separating line between the two countries was clearly 
defined. — About the same time, a diplomatic question arose 
with Austria. Martin Koszta \l:oz'-tah\ a Hungarian who 
had been concerned in the revolution of 1848, had taken 
refuge in the United States, and formally declared his inten- 
tion of becoming an American citizen. Having occasion to 
visit Smyrna, on the Mediterranean coast, he placed himself 
under the protection of the U. S. consul, but was seized by 
a lawless band and carried on board of an Austrian ship to 
answer for his previous conduct. Just at this time. Captain 
Ingraham, of the American sloop-of-war St. Louis, fortunate- 
ly arrived in port. After investigating the case, and satisfy- 
ing himself that Koszta was entitled to the protection of his 
government, he demanded his surrender, which was obtained. 



tribute ? What provision was made for a similar enterprise in the United States? On 
•what day did it open ? What was the success of the enterprise ? What was its effect? 
602. Give an account of the difficulty with Mexico early in Pierce's administration. 
With what other country did a difficulty arise ? State the case of Koszta. Who arrived 



454 pierce's administration. [1853 

but not till he had threatened the Austrian vessel with at- 
tack. Koszta was placed, under the care of the French con- 
sul, till the United States and Austria should dispose of the 
question. A correspondence ensued, which resulted in the 
release of Koszta and his return to the United States. His 
Ufe was probably saved by the decided course of Capt. In- 
graham, to whom a sword Avas voted by Congress in ac- 
knowledgment of his gallantry. 

603. During Pierce's administration, important commer- 
cial relations were opened with Japan. An expedition to 
this distant empire, whose jealousy of foreigners had kept it 
comparatively shut out from all nations, had been projected 
by Fillmore ; and a squadron was sent thither under Com- 
modore Perry, a son of the honored naval hero before men- 
tioned. In the summer of 1853, Perry entered the Bay of 
Jeddo, his steamers being the first that ever floated on the 
waters of Japan. The authorities, amazed at such boldness, 
warned the Americans to depart, but their order was disre- 
garded. A Japanese officer then made his appearance ; to 
whom the desire of the United States to make a treaty with 
his government for purposes of traffic, was duly unfolded. 
The subject was referred to the emperor, who appointed the 
14th of July for a further conference. On that day, the com- 
modore, with an imposing company of officers and marines, 
landed and delivered the letter of the president. He was 
received yfith great pomp, and informed that an answer 
would be returned the following spring. In March, 1854, 
the desired treaty was signed. The privilege of trading 
with Japan was secured to the merchants of the United 
States, and two ports of entry w^ere appropriated to their use. 

604. The most exciting question that arose during Pierce's 
term related to the territorial organization of an extensive 
tract reaching from the western boundary of Missouri, Iowa, 
and Minnesota, to the Rocky Mountains, and from below the 

in port ahoutthe time of this occurrence? What course was pursued by Capt. Ingra- 
hani? What was Koszta's fate? How was Ingraharn rewarded? 603. With what 
country were important commercial relations opened? By whom was the expedition 
projected ? Under whose command was it placed ? Give an account of Commodore 
Perry's proceedings. What was obtained from the Japanese? 604 Respecting what 



[854:] 



NEBRASKA BILL OF SENATOR DOUGLAS. 



455 




UECEPTION OF THE AMERICAN OFFICEKS IN JAPAN. 

Arkansas River to British America. Though assigned in 
part to the Indians who had been removed from the other 
side of the Mississippi, this tract had not escaped the tide of 
civilized emigration from the east; and the thirty-third 
Congress, which commenced its first session in December, 

1853, was called upon to provide a government for the thou- 
sands of pioneers who were clearing its forests and settling 
its fertile plains. The whole of this region had been ob- 
tained from France in 1803, as part of the Louisiana pur- 
chase; and, lying north of latitude 36° 30', it was cut off 
from slavery by the Missouri Compromise. In January, 

1854, Senator Douglas presented a bill for the organization 
of this region into two new territories to be known as Kan- 
sas and Nebraska, with the proviso that the Missouri Com- 
promise should not apply to them, inasmuch as it had been 
superseded by the compromise measures of 1850. The ques- 

did an exciting question arise during Pierce's term ? To whom had this district been 
in part assigned? Who had found their way thither? What was the thirty-third Con- 
gress called on to do ? How had this region been obtained ? How was it cut off from 
slavery? What was the substance of a bill presented by Senator Douglas in January, 



456 Pierce's administration. [iss* 

tion of slavery or freedom Mr. Douglas proposed to leave 
its occupants to decide, when they should seek admission into 
the Union as sovereign states. 'No sooner was this bill 
brought forward than all the stormy scenes of former years 
of agitation were renewed. The country was again rent, 
and sections were, arrayed against each other with embit- 
tered feelings. The doctrine of " Popular Sovereignty", as 
it is called, was violently denounced, particularly in the 
Eastern States ; but all efforts to defeat Mr. Douglas's bill 
failed ; and in May, 1854, having passed both houses of Con- 
gress and received the president's signature, it became a law. 
605. The doctrine of " popular sovereignty" having been 
thus endorsed and settled, the men of the East and of the 
South both strove to encourage emigration, that, when ad- 
mitted as a state, Kansas might have a majority of settlers 
in favor of their respective views. The Massachusetts legis- 
lature incorporated a company called " The Emigrants' Aid 
Society", which during 1855 sent out 1300 persons. Slavery 
men also hastened thither ; and between these two classes of 
immigrants conflicting opinions soon engendered bitter hos- 
tility. The first election in Kansas was held in November, 
1854, for a delegate to Congress; it resulted, like others, 
held in 1855, in the triumph of the pro-slavery party. A 
legislature elected by the latter proceeded to draw up a code 
of laws for the government of the territory ; but the freo- 
state men, declaring that the election had been controlled by 
parties who had crossed from Missouri for the purpose and 
were not residents of the state, called a new convention. 
This body assembled at To-pe'-ka, and drew up a constitu- 
tion under which state officers and a new legislature w^ere 
elected. Thus there were two sets of authorities, each claim- 
ing to be lawfully chosen. Civil war was the result. Out- 
rages of every kind were committed, and neither life nor 
property was safe. Peace was not restored till the president, 

1S54 ? What followed the presentation of this bill ? What was its final fate ? 605. What 
efforts were now made in the east and south with respect to Kansas? What feelings 
were engendered between these two classes of settlers ? When was the first election 
held in Kansas ? Which party triumphed ? Kecount the circumstances Avhich brought 
two sets of authorities into the field. What was the consequence ? When and by 



1856] SUBMARINE TELEGRAPH. 457 

on the 3rd of September, 1856, issued an order for the sup- 
pression of disturbances, and appointed John W. Geary, of 
Pennsylvania, governor of Kansas, with full mihtary powers 
for the accompHshment of this object. With Gov. Geary's 
arrival the war ceased, and order was gradually restored. 

606. In the summer of 1856, it was proposed by an enter- 
prising company to connect Europe and America with a sub- 
marine telegraph, by means of a wire sunk in the ocean. 
Communication having been thus established between [N'ew- 
foundland and N'ova Scotia, surveys were made with the 
view of extending the line to the southwestern point of Ire- 
land. The scheme was reported perfectly practicable, the 
line proposed being 1,600 miles long, and extending over a 
comparatively level surface at the bottom of the sea, in no 
part more than 2 J miles in depth. In November, a contract 
was made for the necessary quantity of gutta-percha cable 
inclosing the telegraph wire ; and it is supposed that this vast 
enterprise, the latest and crowning triumph of human inge- 
nuity, will be successfully carried through before the close 
of 1857. 

607. After the death of the great party leaders already 
noticed, the old dividing line between whigs and democrats 
gradually became less and less distinct ; and, as new issues 
arose, new parties were formed. In 1853, the "Know- 
nothings", or " Americans", first appeared in the field, their 
cardinal principle being opposition to foreign influence, and 
their motto that America should be ruled by Americans. 
This order rapidly spread, and in 1854 they were successful 
in most of the state elections. Many of the whigs joined 
them ; while others, uniting with the free-soil democrats, or- 
ganized a new party under the name of " Republicans". Three 
candidates thus appeared in the field at the presidential elec- 
tion of 1856. The democrats, who were in favor of letting 
slavery extend wherever it fomid its way by the voice of the 

what means was peace restored ? 606. What enterprise was proposed in the summer of 
1S56 ? Give an account of what has been done towards its completion. 607. What 
caused the formation of new political parties ? When did the " Know-nothings" first 
appear? What was their cardinal principle? Witli what success did they meet? 
What became of the whig party? How many candidates for the presidency appeared 

20 



458 Pierce's administration. [isst 

people, nominated James Buchanan, of Pennsylvania ; the 
repubUcans and a section of the American party supported 
John C. Fremont, of Cahfornia ; the rest of the Americans 
voted for ex-president Fillmore, of New York. The cam- 
paign, which was a most exciting one, resulted in the election 
of Mr. Buchanan to the presidency, and John C. Brecken- 
ridge, of Kentucky, his fellow-candidate on the democratic 
ticket, as vice-president. 

608. Mr. Buchanan was born April 13*th, 1791, in Frank- 
lin County, Pennsylvania. He was educated for the law, and 
began his public career in the legislature of his native state 
at the age of twenty-three. Li 1821 he was elected to the 
house of representatives. He continued a member of that 
body till 1831, when he was appointed minister to Russia by 
President Jackson. On his return, he was sent to the U. S. 
senate, where he retained his seat till President Polk invited 
him into his cabinet as secretary of state. In 1853, he was 
appointed by Gen. Pierce minister to Great Britain, in which 
capacity he resided at London till 1856. 

609. Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated on the 4th of March, 
1857, and appointed Gen. Lewis Cass, of Michigan, secretary 
of state. 

in the field in 1856 ? Name them. Which was successful ? Who was elected vice- 
president ? 

608. Give a sketch of Buchanan's previous history. When was Mr. Buchanan inau- 
gurated ? . Whom did he appoint secretary of state ? 



PRESENT CONDITION OE THE UNITED STATES. 
It may not be uninteresting in conclusion to glance at the 
present condition of our country, its growth in population, 
and its advance in art, science, and internal improvements. 
• The first census was taken in 1790; at which time the 
whole population was found to be 3,929,827. In 1850 it had 
increased to 23,191,876. Our commerce has e^anded at a 
stm more surprising rate, our exports in the same space of 
time having increased from twenty to two hundred miUions 
of dollars. ° In 1855, 2,030 vessels were built in the U. S., 
being double the number constructed in 1845. 

To the United States belongs the honor not only of first 
employing steam as a motive-power in boats, but also of first 
using it in ships for ocean navigation. The first steamer 
that°ever crossed the Atlantic was the Savannah, launched 
at New York in 1818. She proceeded to Savannah, made 
her way safely to Europe in 1819, and visited various ports, 
m all of which she was an object of general interest. Not- 
withstanding the success of this experiment, it Avas not till 
1838 that a regular line of steamers commenced crossmg the 
Atlantic. Previous to that time, sailing packets alone were 
used, and the average length of a trip from Liverpool to 
New York was thirty-three days, the shortest time ever 
made being twenty-two. The fii'st trip of the British steamer 
Great Western (AprH, 1838) was performed in fourteen days; 
and since then, by successive improvements, the running time 
in favorable weather has been reduced to eleven, and even 
less than ten, days. U. S. ship-builders have produced some 
of the finest models afloat ; in no department of industry have 
our enterprising mechanics been more successful. 

The first railroad in the United States was completed ui 
1827. Since then, the work of internal improvement has 
been prosecuted so vigorously that iron roads thread the 
Union in every direction and bmd together its principal 
cities and to^vns. In 1854, over 21,000 miles of railroad 



460 PRESENT CONDITION OF THE U. S. 

were in operation, and 17,000 were in process of construc- 
tion. A company has been formed for the purpose of build- 
ing a road from the Atlantic to the Pacific ; and there is no 
doubt, that, hi spite of the Tast difiiculties to be encoun- 
tered, this gigantic enterprise will finally be carried through. 

In no country is labor so highly respected and so well re- 
munerated as in the U. S. ; and in none, therefore, are the 
working classes so happy, and we may add enlightened. ISTo 
restrictions are laid on industry ; jDoUtical privileges are ex- 
tended to all ; and the humblest citizen may raise himself to 
the proudest position in the republic. Our mechanics have 
brought a high degree of ingenuity as well as skill to their 
work ; and through their means America has become justly 
famous for her inventions and improvements. Among a host 
of things that might be mentioned, it is imdeniable that the 
best locks, life-boats, printing-presses, and agricultural imple- ' 
ments, come from America. 

The labor of opening up the resources of a new country 
has as yet left the people of the United States little time and 
opportunity for cultivating hterature and the arts. Yet we 
point with pride to our metaphysician, Edwards ; our lexi- 
cographer, Xoah Webster; our mathematicians, Bowditch 
and Rittenhouse ; our naturalists, the Audubons ; our novel- 
ists, Irving and Cooper ; our historians, Prescott and Ban- 
croft ; our poets, Bryant and Longfellow ; our sculptors, 
Powers and Greenough ; our painters, Copley, Stuart, Trum- 
bull, Vanderlyn, AUston, Peale, and Sully. 

If there is one thing, on which, more than all others, Amer- 
ica may pride herself and found high hopes of stability for 
her glorious institutions, it is her system of common schools. 
She ofiers the advantages of education to the young without 
money and without price, convinced that their enlighten- 
ment is her best safeguard. She seeks, as Webster has said, 
" by general instruction to turn the strong current of feeling 
and opinion, as well as the censures of the law and the de- 
nunciations of religion, against immorality and crime". That 
she may succeed in thus making her institutions eternal is 
the prayer of every friend of liberty. 






^^ ,.\ 









o. 



A^^' ,^^'«^:'''^. 



;;4V-^^'^¥^ 






.,-1 °^ 





'-^^ 


,^^ 






/ 


v.: 




cP' 






'.V^^ 






^rr^\(P 








o 


















- * % ■' 









.- .^' 









x>%^^"^:\. ^' 


















0^ ss''/. 
















N^^" 


% 






.^^^: 


v. 


7;- '' 


^ 
-^^ 

-■-r- 
'"^A 


0^ 






^ 




o^ 



^^ ,v\ 



.VA 



V'-^V" .^". 






"^oV 



■^ ^% 



\^ ^ Y « , -A «' ' ^ 






1> - ^^^<> « 



^^ 



.s '-^o 



s^ A 



« " eg- is'' J. ^^"^ <;> 



c*-, . 



A' - --^ 






^ ^ "" ^0^ 



,^ ^^ 






A^ .<^'' ' ^ -vp. 



■^^ 






--->. ^^ 



-t^. 



^^' . 















0' 












* •= "S- -I a^ 






-0^ 



o^ 



:>\ 






-*i- ,-,\ 



\"t-^ 



^'*"r:,--V 



4 ^^ 



^0• 






.ip- 









■<?■ 



-0' 



K 



\'" 



■%.# 

-c,^ '^^>, 



\V^' '^^'^ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




01 1 448 377 1 

















